A320 Cold & Dark Startup Tutorial

Stage 1: Flight Planning

What We're Doing

Before arriving at the aircraft, we need to plan our flight. This includes route, performance calculations, and loading data. In the real world, this is often pre-computed by dispatch, but we'll enter it manually to understand the process.

Enter your flight details below. These will automatically populate the MCDU (Multi-function Control and Display Unit) in later stages. For now, just fill in the form and save.

Flight Plan Entry

Departure Airport (ICAO): Arrival Airport (ICAO): Departure Runway: Arrival Runway: Flight Number: Cruise Flight Level: Cost Index (0-99, typical 15-30): Zero Fuel Weight (tons): Zero Fuel CG (% MAC): Block Fuel (tons): Flex Temperature (°C):

Flight Plan Saved Successfully!

Stage 2: Safety Checks Before Applying Power

Why We Do This

Before we turn on electrical power, we must verify the aircraft is in a safe state. If certain switches are in the wrong position, applying power could cause equipment to start moving or activate unexpectedly, which could damage the aircraft or injure ground crew.

Step 1Check Battery Voltage

Click on BATTERY 1 and BATTERY 2 below. The voltage should read above 25.5V on both. This ensures we have enough battery power to start systems.

Wrong action! Check battery voltage first by clicking the battery panels.

Good! Both batteries show adequate voltage (>25.5V).

Overhead Panel - Click to Check

BATTERY 1

25.8V

BATTERY 2

26.1V

EXT POWER

AVAIL

APU MASTER

OFF

Stage 3: Power On Sequence

Power-Up Procedure

We'll now bring the aircraft to life in a specific sequence. The order matters!

Step 1Turn Batteries to AUTO

Click BATTERY 1, then BATTERY 2 to set them to AUTO. This connects the batteries to the electrical system.

Step 2Connect External Power

Click EXT POWER ON to connect ground power. You'll see systems start to power up.

Step 3Start APU

Click APU MASTER, wait 3 seconds, then click APU START. The APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) is a small jet engine in the tail that provides electrical power and air.

BAT 1

OFF

BAT 2

OFF