Start a cold-and-dark aircraft in FSX using the correct power, fuel and ignition order, with piston, turboprop and jet troubleshooting.
To start a cold-and-dark aircraft in FSX or FSX: Steam Edition, load it at a parking stand, switch on battery or ground power, establish fuel flow, engage the starter and ignition, then bring generators, avionics and lights online. The exact controls depend on whether the aircraft is piston, turboprop or jet.
What is the correct FSX cold-and-dark startup order?
The reliable generic order is aircraft secure, electrical power, fuel, ignition and starter, followed by the after-start systems. Use the aircraft's own checklist because complex add-ons often model procedures that the default FSX aircraft omit.
- Load at a parking position. Select a gate, ramp or parking spot in Free Flight rather than an active runway. FSX runway starts normally load the aircraft ready for departure, often with its engine already running.
- Secure the aircraft. Set the parking brake, check that throttles are at idle or only slightly open where specified, and place propeller, mixture, condition and fuel-control levers as required by the checklist.
- Apply electrical power. Turn on the battery or connect external power. For an airliner, this may mean starting the APU and configuring its generator and bleed-air supply before starting an engine.
- Configure the fuel system. Check that fuel is aboard, select the correct tank or tanks, and use boost pumps, mixture or fuel-control levers as appropriate. A full fuel tank does not help if its selector is closed.
- Start the engine. Engage the starter, apply ignition and introduce fuel at the point specified for that engine type. Watch engine RPM, oil pressure and temperature rather than holding the starter indefinitely.
- Bring systems online. Once the engine is stable, connect its generator or alternator, switch on avionics and configure hydraulic pumps, bleed air, packs and lights where fitted.
Our detailed FSX startup and shutdown walkthrough provides a fuller cockpit flow for both general-aviation aircraft and jets.
How does the sequence differ between piston, turboprop and jet aircraft?
The main difference is when fuel is introduced and what turns the engine before combustion begins. Never copy a jet sequence directly into a turboprop or piston aircraft.
| Engine type | Typical starting sequence | Key checks |
|---|---|---|
| Piston | Battery on, fuel selector set, mixture and throttle positioned, prime or use the fuel pump if required, then operate the magneto/start switch. | Confirm the magnetos return to BOTH, oil pressure rises and the alternator is charging. |
| Turboprop | Apply electrical power, leave the condition lever at cutoff, engage the starter, then introduce fuel at the RPM specified by the checklist. | Monitor gas-generator RPM, temperature and oil pressure; move the generator online after a stable start. |
| Jet | Supply electrical and pneumatic power from the APU or ground equipment, configure fuel pumps and bleed air, engage the starter, then move the fuel control to idle at the specified N2. | Watch N2, exhaust temperature, oil pressure and starter cut-out before starting the next engine. |
Default FSX aircraft simplify some pneumatic, electrical and ignition logic. Detailed add-ons may require their own panel-state loader, ground-power controls or custom starter logic, so their supplied checklist takes precedence.
Can I use Ctrl+E to start the aircraft?
Yes. With the default control assignment, Ctrl+E runs FSX's automatic engine-start command and is the quickest option when you only need the engines running.
Automatic start is not a cold-and-dark procedure, and some advanced add-ons override or ignore it. If it fails, use the cockpit switches and the add-on's checklist rather than repeatedly pressing the shortcut.
Why will my cold-and-dark aircraft not start?
Most failed starts come from missing electrical power, closed fuel controls or using the wrong starting method for the engine type. Check the symptoms before resetting the flight.
- The starter does nothing: verify the battery, electrical bus, starter selector and, for jets, APU or external pneumatic supply.
- The engine turns but does not fire: check the fuel selector, mixture or fuel-control lever, magnetos or ignition, boost pumps and actual fuel quantity.
- The engine starts and immediately stops: fuel may have been returned to cutoff, the mixture may be too lean, or the throttle may be fully closed when the model requires a small opening.
- The engine runs but the panel stays dark: switch on the alternator or generator and avionics master. In a complex jet, confirm that the correct electrical buses are powered.
- The battery runs flat: avoid leaving lights and avionics on during a long setup, and use external power or the APU if the aircraft models them.
- Only one engine starts: select the next engine and repeat its full start sequence. Multi-engine add-ons may require separate starter, ignition and generator controls for each engine.
How do I make FSX start cold and dark every time?
Configure the aircraft with its engines and electrical systems off, save that flight, and select the option to make it the default flight if your FSX save dialogue presents it. Save from a parking stand, not a runway, because the saved flight also stores the aircraft and location.
A mistake we see constantly is loading a cold-and-dark state created in one aircraft and then switching to a very different add-on. FSX can carry incompatible switch positions across aircraft, while custom gauges may not preserve their state in the normal saved flight; use the add-on's panel-state system when one is supplied.
For a reusable alternative, the FSX cold-and-dark cockpit configuration download is designed to open flights with systems switched off. Back up any files it replaces, and do not expect it to override every add-on's custom state logic.