Preparing the Flight Management System

This guide will help you prepare the Flight Management System in the A380X for your departure. It includes a simple route that you can use to follow along easily and replicate in the simulator.

Disclaimer

This is for simulation purposes only.

The level of detail in this guide is meant to teach an Airbus A380 beginner to start the aircraft correctly.

A beginner is defined as someone familiar with flying a GA aircraft or different types of airliners. Aviation terminology and know-how is a requirement to fly any airliner, even in Microsoft Flight Simulator.

This guide simplifies the process of starting the aircraft to accommodate beginners and the fact that this is a simulation. More advanced sim pilots can use the A380X SOP directly.

When this guide refers to ATC it is referring to any Online ATC network but NOT the built-in ATC in the simulator as this is very unrealistic and unreliable.

The simBrief route used in this guide:

Download simBrief OFP

AIRAC Updates

Please note, we may update this OFP and guide occasionally to ensure it is current with the latest AIRAC provided by the simulator or external nav-data.

Prerequisites

Below are a few Prerequisites before starting programming the FMS.

Visit Cockpit Preparation to learn more.

Make sure the aircraft is powered up.
External Power OR APU
Make sure the ADIRS are set to NAV.
Have a valid flight plan.
Ensure IFR clearance has been obtained.

Chapters / Phases

This guide will cover the following topics in helping you set up the FMS:

Understanding the FMS
- Using Keyboard and Mouse
FMS Initialization
A380X simBrief Integration

Understanding the FMS

During this guide we will be referring to a few key terms which are defined below.

Using Keyboard and Mouse

The FMS can be managed entirely using your mouse and keyboard, allowing for a greater freedom and efficiency when selecting items and entering information.

Below is a screenshot of the FMS as you would find it after the initial start up of the aircraft. Two items are highlighted in the image below:

Buttons show up as grey boxes.
If a button has a downwards pointing triangle, it indicates a dropdown menu.
If a button has greyed out text, it is disabled.
Tabs also show as buttons.
The mouse pointer is identified as a yellow X with a dot in the middle.

Highlighted and selected buttons and fields will have a blue border around them.

By using the mouse and using the different dropdown menus and buttons, it is easy to navigate through the entire FMS and quickly find the page or information you are looking for.

When you select an input field, you will be able to use your regular keyboard to type in the expected data. By pressing ENTER, you will confirm the entry in the field.

FMS Initialization

Data & Status

When the FMS first starts, it will show a screen showing the current status of the aircraft. This information includes:

Aircraft type
Engine type
Navigation Database serial number and dates
Pilot stored Waypoints, Routes, Navaids and Runways

Init & Flight Plan Initialization

What and Why?

The FMS contains information about the flight that needs to be set up by the pilots. This includes:

Flight Number
From, To and possible Alternate airports
Cruise level
Cost Index
Flight Plan Route

These form the basis of the FMS Initialization and help the FMS manage the flight. It helps program the different systems in the aircraft to optimally fly the flightplan.

FLIGHT PLAN INITIALIZATION........................................COMPLETE

Step 1 - FMS Initialization

The Flight Plan Initialization starts by opening the INIT page on the FMS from the ACTIVE menu.

Flight Number

Click the FLT NBR field so a blue typing cursor appears in the field.
Using your keyboard, type the flight number you want to use (e.g. "FBW388") and press the ENTER key.

This will confirm the flight number in the FMS. It can be used to identify your flight.

From, To and Alternate Airports

Click the FROM field so a blue typing cursor appears in the field.
Using your keyboard, type EDDM and press the ENTER key.
Click the TO field so a blue typing cursor appears in the field.
Using your keyboard, type EDDF and press the ENTER key.
(Optionally) Click the ALTN field so a blue typing cursor appears in the field.
(Optionally) Using your keyboard, type EDDL and press the ENTER key.

This will set up the FMS for a flight from Munich to Frankfurt with the alternate airport set to Duesseldorf.

Cost Index

The Cost Index helps the FMS determine the balance between fuel consumption and flight duration. This is used by airlines to balance the fuel-related costs versus the time-related costs of a flight. A high Cost Index indicates that time efficiency is more important. A low Cost Index indicates that fuel efficiency is more important.

The Cost Index can be found in the OFP as highlighted in the image.

Click the CI field so a blue typing cursor appears in the field.
Using your keyboard, type 10 and press the ENTER key.

Cruise Level & Temp

The Cruise Level of the flight can be found on the OFP as highlighted in the image. It is listed as 0240 indicating FL240.

Click the CRZ FL field so a blue typing cursor appears in the field.
Using your keyboard, type 240 and press the ENTER key.

The CRZ TEMP field will automatically update.

CRZ TEMP availability

The CRZ TEMP is not fully implemented yet and might not automatically be set.

Step 2 - Flight Plan Entry

Our route for this flight can be found on the 2nd page of the OFP

Routing Disclaimer

Note that waypoints, STARs, and SIDs may be called differently due to different nav-databases or different AIRAC cycles between simBrief and the simulator.

Inputting a SID

Standard Instrument Departure (SID)

These are procedures that are defined and published that take a flight from the take-off phase to the en route phase.

Also see: SIDS and STARS

Now that the FMS has been initialized with the basic information of the flight, it is time to add the Flight Plan. This starts with clicking the DEPARTURE button on the INIT page.

This will open the F-PLN/DEPARTURE page, from where you can select the Standard Instrument Departure (SID).

Click the RUNWAY dropdown and select 08L 4000M ILS.
Click the SID dropdown and scroll down until you can select GIVM6Q.

For this SID, there is no Transition (TRANS) waypoint, so the dropdown will remain gray.

Now you can click the TMPY F-PLN, which will enter the SID information in the Temporary Flight Plan in the FMS. A Temporary Flight Plan will show in yellow text to indicate it isn't active yet.

You can use the arrow keys at the bottom of the screen to scroll through the current Flight Plan. The SID terminates at GIVMI and this is where we can begin to fill out the rest of the flight plan.

En route Flight Plan

Our flight plan uses Airways between waypoints to simplify the routing by using standard defined routes in the airspace. It also makes it easier to enter the En route portion of the flight plan.

Click the GIVMI waypoint.
From the menu that opens, select AIRWAYS.
Click the VIA field so a blue typing cursor appears in the field.
Using your keyboard, type Y101 (the airway) and press the ENTER key.
Click the TO field so a blue typing cursor appears in the field.
Using your keyboard, type ERNAS (the waypoint) and press the ENTER key.
A second line with a new VIA and TO field will appear. Use these to follow the same procedure to enter T161 as the airway and DEBHI as the waypoint.

Click the TMPY F-PLN button to load this into your Temporary Flight Plan.

DCT Before a Waypoint

There will be cases where your flight plan has waypoints and no airways, or a mix of both. When you go direct from one waypoint to another, it will usually look like the following: WAYPOINT DCT WAYPOINT. You might also see directs represented as two waypoints without a separator, which looks like WAYPOINT WAYPOINT.

Let's look at an example and understand how to program these into the FMS. (Please note this is not applicable to the sample flight plan in this guide, and we plan to create a more advanced flight plan entry guide at a later time.)

Below is the current flight plan we are utilizing:

Current Sample Flight Plan

EDDM/08L GIVMI6Q GIVMI Y101 ERNAS T161 DEBHI DEBHI1C EDDF/07C

Let's imagine for this example that there was no airway between GIVMI and ERNAS, as well as between ERNAS and DEBHI. The flight plan would look like the following:

Example NO AIRWAY Flight Plan

EDDM/08L GIVMI6Q GIVMI DCT ERNAS DCT DEBHI DEBHI1C EDDF/07C

The airways Y101 and T161 were replaced with DCT indicating from waypoint GIVMI proceed direct to ERNAS and after that proceed direct to DEBHI.

When you encounter this type of routing, there are a couple of ways to input this leg without the use of the airways page on the FMS.

One of the easiest ways is utilizing the INSERT NEXT WPT option in the menu when clicking a waypoint in the flight plan. To do this, simply find the starting waypoint on your F-PLN page, which in this case is GIVMI.

Click the GIVMI waypoint.
From the menu that opens, select INSERT NEXT WPT. You will see the following:
Click the dropdown field so a blue typing cursors appears in the field (do not select from the dropdown).
Using your keyboard, type ERNAS and press the ENTER key.

Planning the Arrival

For the purposes of this guide, we will pre-plan our arrival into EDDF via the DEBHI1C STAR into 07C.

Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR)

Similar to the SID, these are procedures that are defined and published that take a flight from the last point in a route (in our case DEBHI) to the first point in the approach or the initial approach fix (IAF).

Also see: SIDS and STARS

Find the EDDF button at the bottom left of the Temporary Flight Plan. This will open the F-PLN/ARRIVAL page, from where you can select the Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR).

Click the RUNWAY dropdown and select 07C 4000M
Click the APPR dropdown and select ILS07C-Z

Y or Z Designators

A designator such as Y or Z may be present. This suffix is to distinguish in the navigation database a difference between approaches to the same runway. While similar in nature, they may have different minimums, allowed equipment, or other differences.

Click the VIA dropdown and select DF554
Click the STAR dropdown and select DEBH1C

For this STAR, there is no Transition (TRANS) waypoint, so the dropdown will remain gray.

Now you can click the TMPY F-PLN, which will enter the STAR information in the Temporary Flight Plan in the FMS.

Verify the Flight Plan

Verify the flight plan by scrolling through it and check all the waypoints.

Viewing Flight Plan on ND

We can also verify the route looks correct by selecting Plan on the EFIS control panel and watching the ND as we scroll through. When doing so for a Temporary Flight Plan, the lines between waypoints will be dashed and yellow. The active flight plan will show as green solid lines.

MANUAL Leg and DISCONTINUITY

The flight plan might contain so-called discontinuities. These are breaks in the flight plan and often separate two flight plan sections, like the SID and first in-route waypoint or the STAR and the APPR. They are also often inserted when the flight plan is modified.

Sometimes discontinuities are also part of a procedure to indicate that manual input is required (mostly clearance by ATC). The preceding legs are called MANUAL legs.

Discontinuities after a MANUAL leg can not and should not be deleted. See below link on how to handle discontinuities.

In this flight plan we have a discontinuity between the STAR and approach procedure as shown below.

See our detailed documentation for Discontinuities to understand how to appropriately handle these when encountered on your F-PLN page.

Additionally, make note of this Special Case on the discontinuity page.

After verifying the flight plan, you can use the INSERT TMPY * button on the bottom right of the F-PLN page. This will insert the Temporary Flight Plan into the Active Flight Plan.

Navaids

What and Why?

The Navaids are used to tune the different radio navigation frequencies. This includes VOR and ILS frequencies.

A VOR (Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range) is a radio beacon that can be used for non-precision navigation. These beacons are used to follow or verify the route flown.
ILS (Instrument Landing System) is a radio navigation system that provides short-range guidance to aircraft for landing on a runway.

Both can be entered using frequencies or identifiers for ease of use.

The A380X supports VOR and ILS auto-tuning when in range of a VOR before departure. We will verify this in the "How and Where?" step below. For ILS auto-tuning, the FMS will automatically load the departure runway ILS frequency if there is one. Once we get within 250NM of our destination and are in climb phase or later, the ILS frequency of the selected arrival runway will be auto-tuned.

NAVAIDS..............................................................CHECK

How and Where?

To reach the Navaids page, go back to the INIT page. You can do so by either selecting INIT from the ACTIVE dropdown, or if you are on the F-PLN page after the previous section, you can just click the INIT button on the bottom of the F-PLN page.

Once on the INIT page, you can click the NAVAIDS button to go to the Navaids page.

On this page, we would set any frequencies or identifiers needed for the departure and subsequently later en route, those required for the arrival.

VOR Tuning

The A380X supports VOR auto-tuning when in range of a VOR before departure. You can verify this by checking the RADNAV page and seeing if the VOR frequency is already populated. You should verify the relevance of this VOR to your departure procedure and flight plan before takeoff.

On this departure SID, we have routing instructions that rely on the Munich VOR DMN with a frequency of 116.0.

To enter this, you can click the IDENT field for VOR1 and enter DMN and press ENTER. A page will open showing multiple options. Select the closest one, with the 116.0 frequency. Now you have the DMN VOR selected and can use it as a reference on the ND.

Departure ILS

When selecting the SID earlier in the flight plan section, the A380X should have auto-populated the ILS/LOC frequency under the LS heading. If it hasn't, we can manually insert it for centerline guidance on take off.

Our departure runway is EDDM/08L (runway 08 left), which has a frequency of 109.50. When inputting a frequency, and we are in range of the ILS, it will auto-populate the identifier and course. You could also enter the identifier IMNE and it would automatically fill in the frequency.

If the ILS information was not automatically populated, you can select the IDENT field under the LS header and type in IMNE and then press ENTER. The other fields will automatically get populated.

Arrival ILS

With an ILS or LOC approach selected, the arrival ILS frequency should be automatically tuned correctly whenever the aircraft is in climb phase or greater and within 250 NM of the destination. Ensure that we verify the ILS frequency when we reach the arrival phase of the flight - see Landing.

Fuel & Payload

What and Why?

For a safe flight, we need to make sure that the FMS has the correct information about the fuel and payload on board. This section will go over configuring the different values the FMS will use for optimal flight planning:

Zero Fuel Weight (ZFW) is the weight of the aircraft including passengers, cargo, and crew, but excluding usable fuel.
Zero Fuel Weight Center of Gravity (ZFWCG) represents the aircraft's balance point without fuel, affecting stability and control during flight.
Block Fuel (BLOCK) is the total amount of fuel loaded before departure, covering the entire flight, reserves, and taxiing.
Route Reserve Fuel (RTE RSV) is additional fuel allocated for potential deviations along your planned route, such as detours due to weather or air traffic control instructions.
Alternate Fuel (ALTN) is the fuel required to fly from your destination airport to the alternate airport if landing at the original destination isn't possible.
Final Reserve Fuel (FINAL) is the mandatory minimum fuel reserve upon reaching the alternate airport, typically enough for 30 minutes of holding at a specified altitude. This is also referred to as FINRES.
Passengers (PAX) is the amount of passengers aboard.

Loading Fuel

Via the EFB - Learn How

ZFW/ZFWCG...........................................................INSERT
BLOCK FUEL..........................................................INSERT
RTE RSV/FINAL..................................CHECK/INSERT AS APPROPRIATE
MIN FUEL AT DEST...............................CHECK/INSERT AS APPROPRIATE

How and Where?

Return to the INIT page on the FMS and select the FUEL&LOAD button to open the FUEL&LOAD page where we will fill in the different values for ZFW, ZFWCG, BLOCK, TAXI, PAX NBR, ALTN and FINAL.

Before we can fill in the values though, we need to find the correct values. Each of these can be found in several locations, below is a description for the most common locations in the EFB or OFP.

ZFW, BLOCK, ALTN and FINAL/FINRES

These values can be found in the OFP as shown below. Note that ZFW can also be found on the EFB once passengers start boarding.

ZFW, ZFWCG and PAX

Once boarding has started with the appropriate number of passengers set in the EFB, using the payload window, you can find the ZFW, ZFWCG and PAX as highlighted below.

You can also find the passenger numbers in the OFP as well in the WEIGHTS section on the third page.

Now that we have all the necessary values, we can go to each of the different fields and set the correct values. It's important to indicate that in the OFP or EFB, the values are set in Kilograms (KG), where the FMS expects them in Tons (1000 KG). We need to divide the values from the OFP and EFB by a 1000 and round them to one decimal.

Some of the values might already have some information set, but it is good to verify they are correct, and if not, enter the correct ones.

Click on in the input box next to ZFW to fill in the value of 341.5 and press ENTER to store the value.
For the ZFWCG, we do the same and enter 35.1.
Next is the BLOCK value, where we fill in the block fuel value of 22.6.
For TAXI, we set the value to 1.0.
PAX NBR we set to 399.
The CI should already be set to 10, but it's good to verify.
RTE RSV is grayed out and can not be configured at this time, this is expected. As long as BLOCK is correctly filled in, the FMS will take all fuel on board in account.
For the ALTN value, we set 5.9.
Finally, check the FINAL value, it should be close to what is in the OFP, if not, fill in the correct value as described in the OFP. This might slightly change the time indication for your final reserve.

Once you have filled in all the information in the FUEL&LOAD page, the page should look similar to the one below.

Performance

What and Why?

The PERF page in holds information about the performance configuration of the aircraft for every phase of the flight, starting with the Take Off phase.

The T.O PERF (Takeoff Performance) page in the FMS allows pilots to input and verify takeoff-related data to optimize aircraft performance during departure. Its primary purpose is to ensure that the aircraft operates within safe performance limits by accounting for current conditions such as aircraft weight, runway length, environmental factors, and configuration settings.

On the T.O PERF page, pilots enter or confirm settings like takeoff flaps and slats positions, engine thrust mode (more details below), and any changes in available runway length (T.O SHIFT). Additionally, it also requires setting the essential speeds:

V1: Decision speed where a takeoff should no longer be aborted.
VR: Rotation speed at which the pilot begins to lift the nose for takeoff.
V2: Takeoff safety speed that ensures sufficient climb performance.

The page may also include settings for acceleration altitude and engine-out acceleration altitude, which are important for climb performance and obstacle clearance. By accurately configuring the T.O PERF page, pilots ensure that the aircraft's automation systems are properly programmed for the takeoff phase, enhancing safety and efficiency.

TOGA, FLEX and DERATED

The choice among TOGA, FLEX, and DERATED depends on factors like runway length, aircraft weight, and environmental conditions.

TOGA (Takeoff/Go-Around) thrust provides maximum engine power for takeoff and is used when maximum performance is required, such as on short runways or in adverse conditions.
FLEX thrust is a reduced power setting based on an assumed higher temperature, allowing for lower engine stress and fuel savings; it's used when full thrust isn't necessary due to favorable conditions.
DERATED takeoff further reduces engine thrust by selecting a lower fixed thrust setting, independent of temperature assumptions. This minimizes engine wear and extends its lifespan.

DERATED is not yet supported for the A380X.

For this guide, we will use FLEX thrust.

PRELIMINARY TAKEOFF PERF DATA.......................................INSERT
V1, VR and V2.......................................................INSERT
TOGA/FLEX/DERATED............................................SELECT/INSERT
FLAPS...............................................................SELECT
ANTI-ICE............................................................INSERT
TRANS ALTITUDE..............................................AS APPROPRIATE

How and Where?

To fill in the T.O PERF page, we will need to calculate the appropriate values. We will use the Simbrief Takeoff Performance Calculater. By selecting the proper configuration, we can get good estimations of values that will work.

Using the calculator, we need to fill in several fields:

Select the correct Aircraft Type (A388 - A380-800) and the correct Variant (D8-FBW - FLYBYWIRE A380X).
Enter the Airport as EDDM and select Runway 08L.
Enter the Takeoff Weight as 363068, this can be found on the FUEL&LAD page after entering all the correct values under TOW. A more accurate value can be found on the OFP.
Select the Flap Setting as 2, this will more efficient on the take off and lower our speeds.
Select TOGA/FLEX for the Thrust Setting.
For the other values, it is you can keep them as Simbrief populates them. It is good to select "Populate Weather" to get the current weather at the airport to get accurate data for when you are flying.

After all values have been entered, press the Calculate button, and the Takeoff Performance panel on the right should show the calculated values.

THS Value

You can find the Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer Nose Forward (THS FOR) value on the PFD in the magenta box. Make sure all loading (passengers, luggage and fuel) has finished to get an accurate reading.

To enter these values, we need to go to the T.O PERF page by clicking the T.O PERF page on the INIT page in the FMS. Once the page opens, enter the calculated values from the Simbrief Takeoff Performance calculator (the values calculated for your flight might differ because of different weather situations):

Set the V1 speed to 136.
Set the VR speed to 136.
Set the V2 speed to 142.
Select FLEX and fill in 66 for the temperature.
Select 2 for FLAPS.
Set THS FOR value to 36.0
Set PACKS to ON and ANTI ICE to ENG ONLY (or as per what the Performance calculator suggests).
The THR RED, ACCEL and EO ACCEL altitudes will be set automatically to appropriate values.
The TRANS Altitude (transition altitude) can be found on the chart for our SID, in case of the GIVMI6Q SID, the transition altitude is 5000.

Once you filled in all fields, your T.O PERF page should look similar to the image below.

A380X simBrief Integration

This section has been moved to our dedicated simBrief Integration feature guide.

After setting up the FMS, continue with Engine Start and Taxi