This course will teach you how to read the flight instruments, program the FMS, and use the autopilot on the Airbus A320. The intent of this course is to quickly familiarize you with the unique aspects of the A320 so you can fly from point A to B.
It is intended for pilots who already have knowledge of IFR procedures, but who would like to transition to flying airliners in their simulator. No experience flying airliners is required.
It will be taught by real-world pilots who are type-rated in the Airbus A320. This is a unique opportunity to work directly with an airline pilot in your simulator to learn how to fly the right way!
Format
This course will be conducted via Zoom. It consists of demonstrations by the instructor and opportunities for you to share your screen with the class. This will allow you to practice hands-on the topics discussed and receive real-time feedback.
We will give each student as many opportunities as possible to share their screen via Zoom for various exercises. If you’re not sharing your screen, you are still welcome to follow along on your own simulator, or simply watch and ask questions.
Schedule
Here is the schedule for our next course:
- Class 1: April 22, 2023 (Saturday) from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Eastern (1900 – 2030 UTC)
- Class 2: April 23, 2023 (Sunday) from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Eastern (1900 – 2030 UTC)
- Class 3: April 29, 2023 (Saturday) from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Eastern (1900 – 2100 UTC)
Syllabus
Class 1 (1.5 hours): Learn how to read the flight instruments in the A320, focused on the Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Navigation Display (ND). This class will also include an initial introduction to the FMS. Content covered:
- Attitude and guidance info
- Airspeed and Airbus speed protections
- Flap extension/retraction
- Altitude, vertical speed, heading/track
- Flight Mode Annunciators (FMAs)
- Deviation bars and radio navigation
- ND display modes and symbology
- FMS interface and data page
Class 2 (1.5 hours): Learn how to program the FMS from start to finish. Content covered:
- Aircraft status
- Init page
- FPLN page
- Perf page
- SEC FPLN page
- Reviewing flight plan
- SimBrief integration
- MCP (autopilot) setup for RNAV and non-RNAV departures
Class 3 (2 hours): Practice using the autopilot and flight director to fly several flights
- Flight 1 will include an RNAV departure, managed/open climbs, vertical speed mode, intermediate and immediate level-offs, managed/open descents, managing the TOD point and speed, approach mode, visual/ILS approach, and a flaps full landing
- Flight 2 will consist of a non-RNAV departure (only departure phase)
Other systems and procedures (such as startup from cold & dark, checklists, ATC communications, flight planning, etc.) will not be covered.
What's included?
- A basic checklist for the A320
- Access to recordings of each lesson for your review (available for up to 6 months)
- A 30-minute 1-on-1 lesson with any of our Certified Flight Instructors (valid within 2 months of the course start date). Use this to get extra assistance on areas where you need more help, or to cover more advanced topics.
Your instructor
Our next course will be taught by Matt Bromback. Matt is a pilot on the Airbus A320 with over 8000 hours of flight experience. He has been a flight simulation user/enthusiast since 1995.
Matt Bromback
ATP
MSFS, X-Plane
EMB-145, EMB-170/190, DC-9, B737, A320
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any prerequisites?
- Basic aircraft handling skills
- Knowledge of flight instruments and navigation
- Familiarity with IFR procedures
If you’re not comfortable with these, we would recommend performing some preparatory training in a general aviation aircraft with one of our instructors to build a solid foundation.
Do I need any add-ons? Yes. Since our instructors will be training you using real-world procedures, we require that you have a “study level” aircraft add-on.
- If you’re using MSFS you must be using the Fenix A320 add-on or the free FlyByWire Simulations A32NX add-on.
- If you’re using Prepar3D or FSX, you must be using the FSLabs A320 add-on.
- If you’re using X-Plane, you must be using the ToLiss A319, A320, or A321 add-on.
Flight Sim Coach is not associated with any of the companies who make these add-ons.
We also recommend having an active SimBrief account (free) and a Navigraph charts subscription (paid).
Is there any real-world training credit available for this course? No. This course is to be used for entertainment purposes only. Flight Sim Coach is not associated with Airbus or any of its official training courses. If you are a real-world airline pilot in training, this course is not for you; please consult your airline’s official training materials.
