Hi Folks,

 

I am looking for some pointers about how best to install and configure the FSL A320/321 SL (Sharklets bundle).

I intend to purchase this version shortly of the Airbus A320 to install on my new Alder Lake-based sim PC (refer to hidden content for PC specs)  and wondered if you have any suggestions about how best to install/configure it and if there are any major, known issues that I should know about?

Obviously once purchased, I will be able to frequent the official FSL forum and find out more info.

 

My intent is to install this into P3D v5.3 on a Windows 11 Professional machine and intent is to fly IFR to various destinations in Europe.

 

Some specific questions:

• Are there any additional utilities /tools you think I will need that will help fly the FSL A320 (bearing in mind I have about 60+ hrs flying the Aerosoft A320). Any recommended tutorials?
• I also plan on using Simbrief. Is the profile working or does it need some tweaks?

 

Any suggestions, thoughts or gotchas that you have come across and can share would be much appreciated.

I am looking forward to this new purchase since my new PC should be powerful enough to run the FSLabs Airbus and plan on leaving behind (not installing) my existing Aerosoft A320 package 😉

 

Regards
Mark

 

David Murden's walkthrough guide is a good way to step through your first few FSL flights, especially until you get the hang of the automatic interfacing features unique to the add-on. 

It's available via a pinned post in the FSL A3xx Master Series General Discussion forum on the FSL site.

Fs2crew is a nice addition to making your flying experience more immersive.

 

Do you already have the A320 base model? This is a requirement for the sharklet A320/A321.

10 hours ago, Bob Scott said:

David Murden's walkthrough guide is a good way to step through your first few FSL flights, especially until you get the hang of the automatic interfacing features unique to the add-on. 

It's available via a pinned post in the FSL A3xx Master Series General Discussion forum on the FSL site.

Thanks Bob. Yes I will take a look at that pinned post.👍

 

3 hours ago, alex86 said:

Fs2crew is a nice addition to making your flying experience more immersive.

 

Agreed. Yes that I already have. Yesterday I took advantage of the FS2Crew FSX/P3D bundle that they have on sale that includes the complete series of FS2Crew add-ons incl the FSL version. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

 

1 hour ago, Swiss2259 said:

Do you already have the A320 base model? This is a requirement for the sharklet A320/A321.

Oopps! Must have missed that point.🙄 Glad that you mentioned it. No I haven't got the base model yet. OK, need to dig deeper into my wallet, but that's OK. 😉

If you can get the aerosoft from A to B and you understands the differences between the bus and the boeing youll be fine. 

As you are planning to fly it in Europe once you are set up, throw me a PM ill pull you some accurare routes off eurocontrol to plug into simbrief.

Edited July 14, 20223 yr by fluffyflops

I think they route everything through the FSL Control Centre now so install that one first.

Before installing anything, enter your account info into Control Centre. At this stage, you may want to read the announcements and see if you want to use the Experimental version. I believe at this moment you need the Experimental version in order to use the Electronic Flight Bag with the Wing Tip Fence. Then install the base package libraries, the base A320 package and then the sharklet models (they have separate installers and registration keys). Make sure to also install Spotlights in order for the cockpit night lighting to work.

1 hour ago, level7 said:

I think they route everything through the FSL Control Centre now so install that one first.

Before installing anything, enter your account info into Control Centre. At this stage, you may want to read the announcements and see if you want to use the Experimental version. I believe at this moment you need the Experimental version in order to use the Electronic Flight Bag with the Wing Tip Fence. Then install the base package libraries, the base A320 package and then the sharklet models (they have separate installers and registration keys). Make sure to also install Spotlights in order for the cockpit night lighting to work.

Appreciate all the info. Very helpful!

 

2 hours ago, fluffyflops said:

If you can get the aerosoft from A to B and you understands the differences between the bus and the boeing youll be fine. 

As you are planning to fly it in Europe once you are set up, throw me a PM ill pull you some accurare routes off eurocontrol to plug into simbrief.

Perfect! I will do that. Thx for the offer.

Also on Youtube check out channels of V-1 Simulations and Blackbox711 who are RW 32X captains and have excellent tutorials on all things A32X.

 

Jeff Callender

Best ever simmer series you are in to for airliners - have them all . I highly recommend  1 or 2 tablets for the MCDU and EFB externally.

Will be a  late July/August entry for my self again using the A321/319.

First trips for me is

* YBBN/NZAA

* KSFO-KATL

 

Michael Moe  

 

with respect to the most useful tutorials:

Agree with jbcallender,  Blackbox711, V-1 Simulations as well as A320 Sim Pilot are probably 3 of the best who have a lot of video content. But I would actually suggest using the below guides instead:

This is how I learned to finish a flight with Chuck's Guides (Mudspike) https://www.mudspike.com/chucks-guides-fsx-fslabs-a320/

The MSFS FBW documentation is actually also very excellent and although the EFB is going to be different, the steps around buttons and actions are very similar and more clearly documented https://docs.flybywiresim.com/pilots-corner/beginner-guide/overview/

I would ignore YouTube for now. Tutorials are often full of lies and wrong procedures.

When you buy the A320X, you get many manuals such as:

- Installation Guide

- Introduction Guide for the Aircraft

- Tutorial Flight from A to B

Use this and search for additional information if you get stuck.

2 hours ago, marlon445 said:

I would ignore YouTube for now. Tutorials are often full of lies and wrong procedures.

When you buy the A320X, you get many manuals such as:

- Installation Guide

- Introduction Guide for the Aircraft

- Tutorial Flight from A to B

Use this and search for additional information if you get stuck.

BlackBox711 definitely has no misinformation on his channel.  Check out his playlists for basics/advanced training for the A320 - an excellent place to start to learn about operating an Airbus.  He's a very good teacher.

This is fantastic addition to the "onboarding" to A320:

https://www.amazon.com/Airbus-A320-pilot-handbook-techniques/dp/146095551X

Not only it tells you what to do in great details but also explains why.

You may want also to googleA320 Family instructor booklet and detailed type rating program. I think both are on smartcockpit.

 

&

FSL Airbus creations are great. Excellent attention to detail……in winter with snow falling you can watch the snow settle and collect on the wings and fuselage. Very nice to watch.