I usually fly either the Fenix A319/20/21 or the PMDG 777. Thought I'd try the FSL A321Neo. Wow it's a challenge...in all the wrong ways...
- taxiing is clunky...doesn't react well on the taxiway
- bringing thrust back to idle during taxi literally stops the aircraft (this isn't realistic at all)
- having to press the pedal disc to taxi is so clunky and clumsy...just combine rudder and tiller
- key binds are very difficult...I have a long list of things that work really easily in the Fenix but don't work at all in the FSL A321
- finally got detents on the TM Airbus throttle and the joystick to work but it took a lot of time

I'm heading back to the Fenix as this was just so unrealistic. Hoping for their Neo soon...

Don't expect the FSL to behave like the Fenix does. It's a different product. Read through the documentation and spend some time setting it all up as recommended. It may work better.
Also, try posting your observations in the FSL fora or open a ticket with them. They are usually responsive.

Been thinking about buying this one now for about a month....that doesent sound too good then?? I need to hear good things....Fenix is sooooooodam good....going to take some beating is that one for sure! Ive ben flying both the Fenix and A350 with SU4...butter smooooooooth on my RTX3060 and i5 processor...amazing! 

Don't have that issue bringing thrust to idle it just goes after some increase.

Keybinds work the same way they had in P3D. 

Taxiing just needs practice don't over control.

Does it need work in places yes but generally its fine.

54 minutes ago, Captaintull said:

Been thinking about buying this one now for about a month....that doesent sound too good then?? I need to hear good things....Fenix is sooooooodam good....going to take some beating is that one for sure! Ive ben flying both the Fenix and A350 with SU4...butter smooooooooth on my RTX3060 and i5 processor...amazing! 

So one person who does not read any documentation dictates what you buy? The FSLabs is an amazing addon.

1 hour ago, YukonPete said:

So one person who does not read any documentation dictates what you buy? The FSLabs is an amazing addon.

How do you know he did not read the docs?  Who told you?

Perhaps the opinion of a RW Airbus pilot regarding the FSLab A321 will help in this conversation:

https://forums.flightsimlabs.com/topic/37968-my-feedback-on-the-a321-product-line-as-an-a320-type-rated-pilot/

8 hours ago, BWBriscoe said:

having to press the pedal disc to taxi is so clunky and clumsy...just combine rudder and tiller

If you don't want the realism of having the steering tiller and rudder pedals on seperate axes, page 13 of the introduction manual describes how to set rudder and tiller to operate on a single axis.

 

23 hours ago, btacon said:

How do you know he did not read the docs?  Who told you?

see post above!

1 hour ago, YukonPete said:

see post above!

Ok then.  Perhaps more study is in order before writing off the plane.

-B

On 9/16/2025 at 12:39 AM, BWBriscoe said:

taxiing is clunky...doesn't react well on the taxiway

What do you mean by "Clunky" ? You have not mentioned what weight you are trying to taxi at - if you taxing at MTOW in A321 then you will need to apply sufficient power to get going. Plus if the tarmac is uphill then that can be additional challenge. 

On 9/16/2025 at 12:39 AM, BWBriscoe said:

bringing thrust back to idle during taxi literally stops the aircraft (this isn't realistic at all)

Going to back to what I said - depends on your weight, if at MTOW then A321 will slow down at idle thrust and you will need to constantly apply some minor power to keep going, This is how it works in real aircraft too. 

 

On 9/16/2025 at 12:39 AM, BWBriscoe said:

having to press the pedal disc to taxi is so clunky and clumsy...just combine rudder and tiller

Well in real world they are not connected either, Nose wheel steering is completely independent to rudder pedals. That's what they have simulated but if you don't like it then there is an option to combine your rudder pedals with tiller in FMGS (Read up within the documentation - it will tell you exactly how to do it)

 

On 9/16/2025 at 12:39 AM, BWBriscoe said:

key binds are very difficult...I have a long list of things that work really easily in the Fenix but don't work at all in the FSL A321

Well everyone has different ways of doing things - with FSLABS you can set most of your options within FMGS, Again you need to look at the manuals

 

On 9/16/2025 at 12:39 AM, BWBriscoe said:

I'm heading back to the Fenix as this was just so unrealistic

I don't understand how you can classify it to be unrealistic when majority of reviews are positive, Have you flown/do you fly A321 Neo in real life? 

 

Edited September 17, 2025Sep 17 by CAP1234

53 minutes ago, CAP1234 said:

 

 

Well in real world they are not connected either, pilots have to press the button in the middle of tiller to activate nose wheel steering. That's what they have simulated but if you don't like it then there is an option to combine your rudder pedals with tiller in FMGS (Read up within the documentation - it will tell you exactly how to do it)

 

 

 

Maybe me so sorry if i am wrong.  I thought the pedal disc was to be pressed during rudder check so the nosewheel wouldnt turn like 10 degree or so as rubber on the nosewheel would get damage when standing still.

Michael Moe 

46 minutes ago, Michael Moe said:

I thought the pedal disc was to be pressed during rudder check so the nosewheel wouldnt turn like 10 degree or so as rubber on the nosewheel would get damage when standing still

As a matter fact you are right - yes it is a pedal disconnect switch which pilots press onto when doing control checks (rudder). 

Well I’ve read there’s posts above and I have watched a couple of videos, one of them being Q8 and overall it’s all positive so I’m going to purchase it this evening 👍🛫

Fantastic plane when setup and learnt to fly love and you can save restore flights plus jump ahead to any waypoint something Fenix can never do.