Start the HJet HA-420 cold and dark in MSFS with the correct battery, GPU, throttle and engine sequence, plus fixes for failed starts.
To start the HJet HA-420 cold and dark in Microsoft Flight Simulator, set the parking brake, put both throttles in cut-off, switch on both batteries and the beacon, and connect external power if available. Start one engine at a time, move its throttle to idle after rotation begins, then confirm generator power.
Reliable HJet HA-420 cold-and-dark start sequence
The reliable order is controls safe, electrical power established, avionics awake, engines started separately, then generator handover.
HJet updates may alter a switch label, annunciation or automated action, so use the aircraft's Normal Procedures checklist for the precise fuel-introduction cue. The underlying sequence remains the same.
- Load at a parking stand
Choose a ramp, gate or parking position rather than a runway, because runway starts normally load the aircraft ready to fly. If the aircraft does not load shut down, check its saved aircraft state and MSFS assistance options. Our guide to the general MSFS cold-and-dark power-up order explains how spawn position and assistance settings affect the initial state.
- Set the parking brake and secure the throttles
Confirm both cockpit throttles are fully in CUT OFF, not merely at the bottom of a hardware axis. Check that the engine start controls are off and that there is sufficient fuel aboard.
- Switch on both batteries
Turn on the two battery supplies and allow the electrical indications and displays to begin waking up. If separate generator controls are modelled, place them in their normal or on position as specified by the checklist; the starter-generators cannot take over later if they have been left isolated.
- Connect external power if available
Request or connect the GPU through the HJet's ground-power controls, wait for an available indication, then select external power. A prompt battery-only start is normally possible, but avoid spending a long time programming the avionics before starting the engines.
- Let the avionics initialise
Wait for the primary engine and electrical indications rather than pressing the starter while the cockpit is still booting. Confirm fuel quantity and clear any configuration problem that would prevent a start.
- Turn on the anti-collision beacon
The beacon should be on before either engine begins turning. This is both normal ramp procedure and a useful check that the aircraft is genuinely ready for engine start.
- Start the first engine
Use the first engine specified by the HJet checklist and operate its START control. Verify positive N2 rotation before moving that engine's throttle through the cut-off detent to IDLE at the checklist's fuel-introduction cue. Watch for light-off, an ITT rise, oil pressure and increasing N1/N2.
- Wait for a stable idle
Do not begin the other start while the first engine is still accelerating. Confirm that the starter indication clears, engine temperature remains normal and the engine settles at idle.
- Start the second engine
Repeat the same sequence on the other side: starter, positive rotation, throttle from cut-off to idle, light-off and stable indications. Starting both engines together can overload the available electrical supply or produce an abnormal start.
- Confirm generator handover
Once both engines are stable, verify that their starter-generators are supplying the aircraft. Disconnect external power only after the electrical indications show a successful handover. Leave the battery switches on; they are not normally switched off simply because the generators are online.
- Complete the after-start checks
Remove ground equipment, configure the lights, check the flight controls, and set the required flaps and pitch trim. Resolve abnormal cautions before releasing the parking brake.
When should the HJet throttle move from cut-off to idle?
Move the applicable throttle to idle only after its starter has produced positive, increasing N2 and the Normal Procedures checklist calls for fuel introduction.
Do not use an N2 figure copied from another business jet. The simulated HJet's checklist is the better reference for the installed build. The FADEC manages the start after fuel is introduced, but it cannot correct a throttle moved too early or a controller that immediately commands cut-off again.
Watch the cockpit lever itself. With mouse control, it may need to pass a cut-off latch or detent; with hardware, the axis and any separate fuel-cut-off command must agree with the displayed lever position.
Is external power required to start the HJet?
No, external power is optional when both batteries are adequately charged, but a GPU provides a steadier supply while the glass cockpit initialises and the flight is prepared.
Use battery power for a prompt start when no GPU is available. Use external power when you intend to spend time entering a route or configuring the avionics. Never select external power before the aircraft shows that it is connected and available, and do not remove it until at least one operating generator has accepted the electrical load.
Why will the HJet engines not start or stay running?
Most HJet start failures in MSFS come from missing electrical power, incorrect throttle detents or conflicting controller assignments.
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Starter does nothing | No usable battery or GPU power, throttle not recognised in cut-off, or a start control conflict | Check both batteries, the electrical page, cockpit throttle position and duplicate starter bindings |
| Engine rotates but never lights | Fuel was not introduced, the throttle remains in cut-off, or there is no usable fuel | Watch the cockpit lever cross the cut-off detent and verify fuel quantity |
| Engine starts and immediately dies | A hardware axis, mixture control or fuel-cut-off assignment is pulling the throttle back | Disconnect the controller temporarily or remove overlapping assignments |
| N2 stops increasing or ITT rises abnormally | Hung or hot start | Return the throttle to cut-off, abort according to the checklist and let the engine stop before another attempt |
| Power disappears when the GPU is removed | The starter-generators did not connect | Reconnect external power if possible, check generator controls and verify stable engine idle |
| One or more displays remain black | Unstable power, display brightness or failed avionics initialisation | Confirm the electrical source first, then check display-specific causes |
Use either the manual procedure or the MSFS automatic engine-start command, not a mixture of both. If the fault is not specific to the HJet, our broader guide to engines that will not start or remain running in MSFS covers assistance settings, fuel controls and controller conflicts.
Hardware throttle conflicts are especially common
A controller conflict can command cut-off even though the cockpit lever briefly appears to reach idle. Duplicate throttle axes, reverse-thrust ranges, mixture assignments and separate fuel-valve commands are the usual offenders.
Create an aircraft-specific controller profile and remove commands the HJet does not need. If an engine starts and dies, disconnect the throttle hardware and repeat the procedure with the mouse; if that works, the problem is the controller profile rather than the engine model.
Why are the HJet avionics screens still blank?
If the engines or electrical page indicate that the aircraft is unpowered, restore battery or external power before troubleshooting the displays themselves.
A completely dark cockpit usually points to the main electrical supply. One blank display in an otherwise powered cockpit is more likely to involve brightness, a display circuit or incomplete avionics initialisation. Follow our MSFS blank-screen troubleshooting steps before repeatedly cycling the engines.
What should be checked before taxi?
Before taxi, confirm that both engines and starter-generators are stable and that no ground equipment or abnormal caution remains.
- Both engines stable at idle with normal temperature and oil-pressure indications
- Generators carrying the electrical load and external power disconnected
- Battery switches left in their normal on position
- Ground equipment removed and doors secured
- Flight controls checked through their required movement
- Flaps and pitch trim set for the planned take-off
- Avionics, route and departure data checked
- Lights and anti-ice configured for the conditions