FSLabs A320-X Basics: Autopilot/FMGS - how to use it properly

[@speedbird1598]

I have a LOT of experience on the Aerosoft Bus. Possibly hundreds of hours. When I got the FSLabs A320, I was perfectly able to get myself up and flying. However, I would always come across places where I had no idea what to do, and just do "what looked right". These tutorials are incredibly detailed and feel like they are from a real A320 course. Thank you and keep up the great work!

[@milo4008]

Yup, too bad it also likes to install many stuffs in the background of your OS to steal passwords and such...

[@henriklmao]

@@milo4008 that's not true

[@milo4008]

@@henriklmao of course it is, do some research

[@henriklmao]

@@milo4008 I mean, if you crack the software it's your fault. Btw they no longer have the so called "test.exe" which they back then had. I mean, it's the best simulated airbus so we have to live with the history of the product.

[@henriklmao]

And 2nd I don't use chrome or anything to store my passwords so I couldn't care less.

[@nemisis34]

Hi Blackbox711 I am very impressed at all your videos. It's very easy to jump into the FSLABS A320x and fly it without ever knowing the intricate details that have been painstakingly programmed into this realistic simulation. Your short informative videos and I detailed knowledge of the systems is helping all us armchair pilots get a deeper understanding of the Airbus and enjoy it even more. I hope you continue.

[@Blackbox711]

Hi nemisis34. Thank you very much for your kind words! There will be a lot more videos coming out soon. Thank you for watching. Regards

[@ComPuPur]

I reviewed a lot of videos and I have to say that your material is the best i have ever found. Thank you for your work kind sir!

[@Blackbox711]

Thank you for the kind words. Happy Landings

[@dariusthesimp5943]

I remember in August 2020, I was asking the stupidest questions 🤣 I love nostalgia :D

[@jafferhussain15]

simple,clear and fluidly explained ,,, you are NOT allowed to stop making airbus videos any more sir !!

[@Blackbox711]

Hi Jaffer. Your post made my day:-) I promise more videos are in the pipeline! Regards

[@g7usl]

@@Blackbox711 Hope your enjoying your '787'? ;)

[@GWAIHIRKV]

Marshall Arbitman, flightsim481 and now Blackbox911 can be added to my favourite KZbin channels. Well done.

[@Blackbox711]

Hey Ken. Thank you very much. Regards

[@pramodmathur2055]

Perfect video for learning the FMGS for Airbus 320. This is what I have been looking for.

[@Nixxx2000]

oh man thanks for detailed explanation - i haven't noticed that air speed knob can be pulled as well to engage selected speed mode

[@davidhack1974]

If you are thinking about buying this aircraft with a view to learn how to fly it then this is a 'must watch' video.

[@Blackbox711]

Thank you

[@davidhack1974]

Hi Blackbox, I'll be watching your stream this evening, I'll tell my mates too.

[@avionicsify]

Your teaching technics are excellent and helped me understand the FMGS a lot better. Continue the good work.

[@Blackbox711]

Thank you very much. I am happy to hear my videos helped you.

[@srirampdm]

I've just stumbled onto your videos and I must say they're really well made. Very clear, to the point and quite useful for a flight-simmer or even someone casually interested in understanding Airbus's pilot-computer interaction philosophy. Thank you very much for putting it together! You have a really good, neutral voice for narration too. Cheers.

[@Blackbox711]

Thank you very much for taking the time to give me the positive feedback. I appreciate that very much!

[@stabilo3170]

Perfect as usual, very pedagogic and clear explanation. A real pleasure to watch. I start to think that I'm becoming clever by understanding (a bit) Airbus philosophy regarding the mode reversions and all that sorts of mysteries . Keep going BB711, you have all my support !

[@Blackbox711]

Hi Stabilo. Thank you so much for your kind words! Keep watching, more videos coming soon. Regards

[@SebNeuhaus]

You're very good at explaining how the systems work, and now that FSLabs have released an Airbus you actually have to study to fly I hope you'll keep doing these videos! Thanks!

[@Blackbox711]

Hi Seb. Thank you for the kind words! You are absolutely correct. This A320 Addon is so amazingly realistic, that it would be a shame not to learn in detail about all the systems. I am glad I can help some people with my videos. Regards

[@samitiainen6458]

Really good job. Just bought the a330 and its autopilot is after all very diffrent to the one on the free a321 that i can use. Helpfull video

[@Blackbox711]

Glad it helped. Happy Landings

[@robertbrown9154]

Thank you so much,very professional ,concise, no rush tutorial . Have just bought this aircraft for Xp 11 and this is exactly what I am looking for. Congratulations well done,I have subscribed why wouldn't I ? Best wishes .R.

[@mcalvera]

Finally a great video about AP, Thanks

[@Blackbox711]

+Luis Calvera .. glad you like it 👍🏼

[@charlyman699]

Excelent, these basic things are not well explained when starting a 320 TR, this would help hugely. Thanks!

[@Blackbox711]

My pleasure. Thank you very much for your feedback 👍🏼

[@jankin880]

Great tutorial thanks ....I fly in X plane but I haven t found a explanation like this ....I assume much of this will apply in other simulators than FSX

[@skoy21]

That was very useful! Thank you.

[@jmcpolosonic]

Formidable video avec des explications claires. Bravo et merci beaucoup.

[@Blackbox711]

Merci Jean-Michel.

[@skypiratez]

BBox, thank you for all those videos. Awesome resource of information!.. As a veteran Boeing user I came across a question I still can't find the answe tor: the Boeings have the VNAV function, which when active commands the plane to initiate the descent by itself at the calculated TOD point, provided the lower FL is preselected on the MCP. I noticed the Abus doesn't do that. Under Managed speed and lat and new lower FL selected, the plane crosses the TOD point with a message on the PFD "decelerate". I need to push the alt knob to start the descent. If I push before the TOD the plane starts descending and deviates from the vertical profile. Is this how its done on the Abus or I'm missing something?

[@Blackbox711]

+skypiratez ...Thank you for your kind words! Unfortunately the A320 Managed Descend Mode (DES) is somewhat complicated. The DES Mode will only activate automatically when the Aircraft is in ALT CSTR mode (magenta) and the DES mode is armed. If the Aircraft is in ALT Mode, you need to press the Alt Selector Knob to initiate the DES. That is why you get the reminder message "Decelerate". If you press the Alt Selector knob ahead of the TOD, the Aircraft will start a shallow descent until intercepting the optimum path. Then it will follow it. Regards

[@skypiratez]

Thank you Sir! That's pretty much confirmation of my observation.

[@ipolson]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. It is excellent and very helpful.

[@Blackbox711]

Thank you

[@viewfromabove7669]

Deine Videos sind wirklich toll und informativ. Vielen Dank!

[@Blackbox711]

Ich danke dir 👍🏼

[@diliptalekar4602]

Superb! The best youtube video on how the FMGS functions. I have subscribed immediately & look forward to watching the rest of your videos.

[@Blackbox711]

Hi Dilip. Thank you very much! Keep watching, more videos coming soon. Regards

[@ReefAndReptileAutomation]

Thanks for the video! I do have a question though. What does the AP actually engage? It appears that the Autothrottle and the NAV lateral movement does not require AP to be engaged? I guess I am confused because normally you would need to engage autopilot to adjust speed, altitude, and NAV. But in the A320 it seems that the speed/Alt and Nav are functional without AP being engaged? Am I missing something?

[@Blackbox711]

You have to differentiate between flight guidance (flightdirectors) and automatic flight. So you can indeed have all the same modes indicating on the PFD without the autopilot being engaged.

[@BrunoSantos-zy2fu]

These videos are incredible thank you so mutch man!

[@Blackbox711]

+Bruno Santos .. I am glad you are enjoying them 👍🏼

[@noumanhassan3182]

Thanks a lot for making such video.. Learned a lot ☺️

[@Blackbox711]

My pleasure 👍🏼

[@tikytem6172]

Excellent vidéo! Very clear and well explained Well done

[@Blackbox711]

Thank you very much 👍🏼

[@rsvette123]

excellent video - a quick take off properly and cat landing video would be great if possible very informative and easy to understand

[@Blackbox711]

Hi rsvette123. Glad you enjoyed the video! I will try to bring out videos regarding Takeoff and CAT LVO Landings. Regards

[@rsvette123]

Awesome - thank you

[@kneecaps2000]

Great video. What do you use for fuel calculation (And takeoff/landing) with this aircraft ?

[@Blackbox711]

Hi. Thank you. I use simbrief.com for flight planning and a programm called TopCat to calculate the Takeoff Performance. Regards

[@kneecaps2000]

Blackbox711 Thanks . How do you find the OFP from simbrief compares with fuel burn etc to this A320. What aircraft version do you use in Topcat i didn't buy this because I thought it didn't support this aircraft.

[@Blackbox711]

I think Simbrief does a very good calculation. I regularly do fuel checks on my flights and find only very small differences. Regarding TopCat, there is a FSLabs file that you can load into TopCat.

[@kneecaps2000]

Blackbox711 Thank you very much. I had no idea that Topcat was supported. Are you using a custom aircraft type in Simbrief? If so is the ZFW taken from the FSLabs docs ? (also any fuel offset?). Thank you.

[@philperlmutter1658]

Great video, thank you

[@alexkanja9130]

enjoyed watching the video.However you did not mention the magenta circle that appears when you start descent at the altitiude sction.what does it do?

[@Blackbox711]

Hi Alex.Thank you for your comment. You are correct, I did not comment on the magenta circle since it has to do with the managed descent profile which has to be explained in more detail in a seperate video. Otherwise this video would have been over 20 mins long. The magenta circle shows the deviation of the actual vertical flightpath in regard to the theoretical optimal flightpath calculated by the FMGS. This circle is displayed from the top of descent down to the Missed Approach Altitude. The deviation range is +/-500 ft and can be read directly from the altitude scale. If the circle reaches the top part of the scale the aircraft is 500 ft (or more) below the theoretical vertical flightpath. If the circle reaches the bottom part of the scale the aircraft is 500 ft (or more) above the theoretical vertical flightpath. Hope this answer helps!? Regards

[@alexkanja9130]

+Blackbox711 yes this answers my question .thankyou look foward to more of your videos.great work

[@Shah84838]

Hello there, I get shimmering on objects like on the FD, ND. I have turned anti-aliasing on but that still doesn't help. What can I do to get them clean like yours? Did you use NVIDIA inspector? Thanks.

[@Blackbox711]

Hi uszy. Yes, I used NVIDIA inspector. Apart from that I did nothing special to the setup. Regards

[@ilankrt]

Hi, question, from managed descent I changed mode to selected descent V/S -xxx, Speed SP was selected and regulated by me. Now reaching the set ALT aircraft leveled to horizontal flight and I wanted to get back to managed mode. I pushed the ALT knob but aircraft didn't react and went back to managed DC mode. What did I wrong? must I set speed back to managed before ? Thanks for answer

[@Blackbox711]

Did you select a lower altitude on the FCU?

[@ilankrt]

@@Blackbox711 I don’t remember, but it can be that I didn’t change the FL before trying to change mode…

[@Blackbox711]

Also the managed climb/descent only works when in NAV mode.

[@ilankrt]

@@Blackbox711 thanks for help!

[@christinetinapacuryemadraz9832]

Just been watching this , I can’t seem to turn the knobs on the FMGS am I missing something or am I doing it wrong . Am new to this just downloaded the A330 for Xplane 11 . Please do help

[@tonforr]

Another great tutorial, is there anyway to place ETP on ETOPS routes?

[@Blackbox711]

+tonforr .. Thank you! Do you mean in the FMS?

[@stefanocozzi8188]

I'm New to the airbus and i have a question : if I select a speed and then push the knob will the aircraft follow my command or will it return to its original speed ? Srry im used to the default fsx a 321 ! Any way great video !

[@Blackbox711]

+STEFANO COZZI .. Thank you. Pushing the speed knob gives you "managed speed" which is the speed prompted by the FMC depending on the active phase (climb, cruise, descent, holding, approach). If you select and pull the speed knob then you get "selected speed" and the autopilot will fly the selected speed from the FCU (Flight Control Unit). Regards

[@Mumbikerabhijit24]

Amazing video 👍

[@Me37368]

Edit : never mind I got it figured out, the jar design a320 has a weird thing where you need to see a pointer finger on the screen to push into managed and a hand to pull into open

[@tonytee8798]

Great Video Sir Thank you so much!!!!!! from Thailand

[@Blackbox711]

Thank you very much for watching. Greetings to Thailand!

[@gevorgtsaturyan7951]

Could you explain please, why did the autothrust mode suddenly change from "thrust idle" into "speed" while descending, at 10:50 ?

[@Blackbox711]

Hi. It happened because the descent path was less steep and the FMC calculated that Idle Thrust is not required any more and hence changed into Speed mode. The aircraft only needed to descend 2000 ft and had 20 NM to do so. Regards

[@AirspotterUK]

Hi, How do you fly with autothrottle engaged for the speed but manual HDG and ALT inputs? I .e a visual manual approach.

[@Blackbox711]

I do that only in Flightsims. Helps me better to look outside without worrying about the airspeed all the time

[@AirspotterUK]

Ok so In real flying you wouldnt have autothrottle on and HDG / ALT with sidestick inputs?

[@nicolassitzmann8038]

I have a question. My airbus doesn’t wants to follow my planned route that I’ve made. How can I fix that?!

[@ehsan83]

perfect video thank you, very informative

[@Blackbox711]

Thank you

[@87boombox]

Hello, I'm starting to like your tutorials videos with FSL A320X.. I was wondering if you could also make tutorial video for PFD display when using TRK/FPA mode. Which very useful for visual and non-precision approach.

[@Blackbox711]

Hi boombox. I am planning on releasing a video on RNAV and standard Non-Precision approaches (TRK/FPA) this week. Stay tuned! Regards

[@87boombox]

Sweet.. I'm gonna get FSL A320X if it really works in charm with NPA approaches.

[@LukasZ92.]

dieses Video hat mir vor ein paar Monaten enorm viel geholfen, um den Autopiloten richtig zu verstehen, super erklärt :) würdest du evtl. die Güte haben, so etwas auch für die PMDG 737 zu machen? dort ist es ja etwas komplizierter, open CLB/DEC ist zwar klar, bzw. LNAV/VNAV ist das selbe wie der managed Airbus Modus, jedoch komme ich mit LVL/CHG, Speed, N1, etc. nicht klar. vielen Dank :)

[@Blackbox711]

+Lukas Zitz .. muss ich mal schauen wann ich dies einfügen kann. VG

[@bazokazoro4563]

Hi .. Unique presentation as usual Can I please get the explanation for ECON icon on speed strip scale conditions .

[@Blackbox711]

Hi. The speed bracket provides a range of up to ± 20 knots of target speed econ descent speed, limited by VMAX as an upper limit and the greater of green dot, S, F, or VLS as the lower speed limit.

[@SaurabhKumar-hr7fn]

I want to know what are the keyboard shortcuts you use

[@Blackbox711]

To change the views? That is done through a separate addon called Chaseplane

[@centralflorida1stamendment659]

Hi. Im new with this aircraft on my flight sim P3dV4. My fmc always while flying have my plane do a high attitude pitch up then will descend I don't know how to get it so I can program it correctly need some help with this

[@Blackbox711]

It is important that you read the manual that came with the installer. It should be either in your desktop or FSLabs folder.

[@fadisalah2908]

I have problem in fs lab i have maseg (CAB PR ELEV FAULT) (LDG ELEV..... MAN ADJUST) I con not correctly move on The ground can you helpme how can move on The ground?

[@Blackbox711]

Please watch my tutorial on Cold and Dark startup. The message come because you have not put in the departure and arrival airport code into the MCDU. When engines are on and you release the parking brake the aircraft should move.

[@FirePuissance69]

when i push the hdg knob so it follows the nav it doesn't follow it but it shows that it is activated on the pfd

[@naaffax6700]

hello there!... i have tried and successfully completed the full flight from EGKK to LFAT. I was able to successfully program the MCDU and automatically fly the entire jurney and land using the ILS auto landing. however after landing at LFAT... and comming to a complete stop, I was unable to fly from LFAT to EGKK successfully. I can't seem to enter the correct route from LFAT to EGKK without getting the flight discontinuity. Can you please help me out or can anyone suggest what is happening please?

[@Blackbox711]

+NaaffaX .. You can simply delete the Discontinuity and close the routing that way

[@telosfd]

Really the most simple detailed tutorial, i will do my practice now, without stress.Is there any tutorial that saw how to manage the D point and ILS ? Thanks a lot.

[@guidoconsiglio1023]

How do i get the "speed" title? When i pull the knob the aircraft doesn't change the speed...btw i set the autothrottle

[@Blackbox711]

The Thrust levers must be in the CLB notch

[@guidoconsiglio1023]

@@Blackbox711 yea it works, thank you

[@joydasgupta9445]

Can I run this software on my Dell laptop that has 4GB ram & i3 processor?

[@Blackbox711]

www.flightsimlabs.com/index.php/a3xx-master-series-a320-3/ Here you find all the infos including system minimum requirements.

[@g7usl]

My good, old friend, BB. 'Magenta' is pronounced as MaJenta in English. I hope that helps? Take care my friend, we miss you.

[@Blackbox711]

Cheers. I will try to remember that. In what way are you missing me?

[@g7usl]

@@Blackbox711 You was a big part of FSL, In my opinion. with FSL's attitude to P3D users about promised other add-ons and they have given us the boot because of MSFS future only. You, was the best user I have ever known and gave us all so much help. Most of us haven't got high spec P.C's to cope with MSFS's demands.

[@bromangaming8767]

nice tutorial bro, very appreciate 👍👍

[@wiso2759]

Great Video.....

[@Blackbox711]

Thank you

[@nikolaoschamouzas1911]

How did you make the fcu so realistic with the 2 autopilots on Flight Simulator? Mine has just 1 autopilot on the fcu. Please tell me

[@Blackbox711]

What Simulator are you using?

[@prasanthtadiparthy4896]

FSX Default A320s have only 1 AP. This is FSlabs A320!

[@stabilo3170]

And even more if you need.

[@Blackbox711]

thank you again for your support + kind words. Glad to hear that my videos helps you understand the airbus. The FMGS can be quite a handful ;-)

[@joydasgupta9445]

What is the name of the software? Can it be bought by amatuer like me?

[@Blackbox711]

The software is an aircraft addon for Prepar3d and called FSLabs A320x

[@mothanna2320]

how can I select the altitude and the heading it's not twisting how can I fix it please

[@Blackbox711]

First you need to pull on the know to get a selected mode (Altitude or Heading). Then you can select the value on the FCU.

[@je-vonniwilliams1395]

Can you use the autopilot without the FMS?

[@Blackbox711]

Hi. Yes, the autopilot has so called selected modes. I made a video on that topic kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHvbdHeJoL9rjZI

[@centralflorida1stamendment659]

I also am unsure how to enter in my flight plan that I want to use. This is very confusing (your right ) need some help with this as well

[@Blackbox711]

I have made a tutorial video on that topic as well

[@asiyashaheer358]

Thank u

[@andreasv.damhaug5463]

When I select a altitude it will not stay when it reaches the altitude

[@Blackbox711]

Which addon?

[@ifhandp2887]

Hallo... Can i use FSlabs in Xplane 11?

[@Blackbox711]

Unfortunately no

[@NipapornP]

ToLiss' Airbus is quite as good as the fslabs one. I would say it's even better, considering the very realistic flight model calculation of XPlane. It just lacks "eye candy - level", but the important things like FMS and behavior functions perfectly as I know it from the "real" thing (Full motion FlightSim @ SAS).

[@mohammedpilot2335]

Thanks

[@petkez]

You enplane it so well! You should make and sell a full flight tutorial. I would buy it :)

[@Blackbox711]

Hi Pete. You are too kind! Thank you very much for your feedback. I will publish some more tutorials in the coming weeks. All for free :-)

[@TomSrc]

When I push on the nob on speed even if I have auto pilot and auto throttle on it still stays cyan

[@Blackbox711]

Most probably missing some important data in the MCDU

[@chrisbarney9687]

top excellent video, great work, you are a real A320 Pilot?

[@Blackbox711]

Hello Chris. Thank you for your kind words. I was a A320 Pilot, unfortunately not any more.

[@Dennree99]

Blackbox711 But now you are again, right? Good stuff!

[@MaydayAlish]

My autopilot doesn't respond my directions. I think I broke something

[@QatilYT_]

I am 13 years and dream to be a pilot but im this. game i didnot understan how to land 🥺

[@aavashlamichhane7373]

I cannot pull any buttons,

[@Blackbox711]

Please contact the FSLabs support forum.

[@rm57t06]

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