LVFR A330-900 Basic Guide

[maxpmonaghan]

So I’m no pilot, nor a hardcore enthusiast, but having spent hours flying this plane and continuously searching for a guide I’ve collated my experience and notes. It’s second nature to me now so I don’t really use it. I’m sure it’s far from realistic but it’s a base for something better.

Plan flight on Simbrief, ensure to select the LVFR airframe. Allow SB to calculate the CI and CRZ LVL. Press Select SID/STAR and where available choose the CAT ABCD, RNAV or Standard option in that order.
If you don’t have a Navigraph Subscription remember to check the plan works with AIRAC 2203 using the next button.
For beginners only edit the DEPT, ARRV, AIRFRAME, MODEL, SID/STAR and PASSENGERS.
Generate the Flight Plan.

In-game, use the MSFS planner to copy the Flight Plan, enter your DEPT RW and ARRV RW, select IFR Rules High.
Then select the SID and STAR previously chosen from the SB Briefing and enter them into the arrival / departure procedures. Next select the correct ILS approach from your plan.
Finally change the cruise altitude to match the SB plan.
Load the game.
Make sure AI piloting is disabled, AI ATC assistance, AI piloting while in cursor and assisted takeoff are all disabled. Auto trim, anti-stall are fine.

Once you’ve taken off you can turn on the Co pilot ATC again, occasionally leaving it on for takeoff can cause the tower to cancel the plan after takeoff if not disabled before syncing flight plan.


Tablet:
- Connect Simbrief
- Sync Flight Plan
- Sync Fuel
- Sync Load
- Get METAR for DEPT
- Complete Takeoff Calculations
FMC:
- INIT: Set CI
- INIT: Set CRZ LVL
- INIT: Align IRS & Confirm
- PERF: Set T/O flaps (1)
- PERF: Set FLEX TO TEMP (At or Below DEPT temp from METAR
- PERF: Check V1,V2 & VR matches tablet calculations
- F-PLAN: Check for errors and ensure any SID has been inputted, it should be a waypoint in the plan. Else press the button beside the DEPT. Select DEPARTURE, Select RW, Select SID (The planned SID is GREEN), for simplicity select NO TRANS and press INSERT on the Right.
Flight Control Unit:
- Set BARO to METAR Local
- Turn on FD
- Turn on CSTR
- Set SPD to Managed
- Set HEADING to RW HDG
- Set ALT to TA Managed
Overhead Panel:
- Turn on ENG 1 & ENG 2 Anti ICE
- Turn on Seatbelt & Smoking Lights
Center Console:
- Arm Spoilers
- Turn off Parking Brake
- Set Flaps for Takeoff (Flaps 1)

Checklist:
- Baro Set
- Auto Breaks MAX
- Spoilers Armed
- Flaps Set (F1/10)
- FMC APPR PAGE complete
- Speed Set MANAGED or 250KTS
- HDG Set to RW
- ALT Set to ATC instruction or TA
- AP OFF
- AT OFF
- FD ON
- CSTR ON
- Seatbelt & Smoking lights ON
- Landing/NAV/etc Lights ON
- Parking Brake OFF

Once cleared for takeoff from Tower
Steps:
1. Check V1&VR SPD and check Parking Brakes are Off
2. Push Throttle to 60% and watch both stabilise on the MFD
3. Once both have stabilised push Throttle to FLEX/MCT or TOGA as required. If FMC is completed FLEX/MCT will be correctly calculated for Takeoff.
4. Push slightly forward on the side stick until the airspeed indicator is alive. (Once the SPD is registered as a number) then release.
5. Maintain RW heading until VR then pull back the controls, if the FMC is setup the FD will indicate the desired pitch.
6. Once Positive Rate is achieved (climbing and gaining speed) Gear Up
7. Approaching the Max Flaps speed - Retract Flaps
8. Engage AP and AT: ensure SPD, HDG and ALT are set correctly. Fully Managed SPD and HDG with ALT set to TA
9. Reduce Throttle to CLB detent once displayed to.
10. Continue to follow CSTR’s climbing to TA ALT

Once at final CSTR or TA whichever is greater.

1. Set ALT to CRZ ALT and push to follow FMC VNAV or Pull to engage OP CLB (open climb)
2. Set Baro to STD above TA
3. Turn off Landing Lights at TA
4. Disarm Spoilers at TA
5. Turn off Seatbelt Lights at FL100

Cruise

Use tablet to get METAR for Arrival airport
Use FMC FPLAN to identify ToD (RoT Before the first waypoint to contain a ALT constraint after CRZ LVL)

———————————
Before Top of Descent

Check FMC FLTPLN Page for the final CSTR FL. Usually the G/S approach ALT found on the ILS Chart.

———————————
Top of Descent

Input final ALT FL CSTR from the FMC or Chart
The A330 doesn’t automatically begin descent, you must either push the knob to engage Managed Descent and have the AP follow the VNAV and CSTR’s down to the selected ALT. Or pull to begin Open Descent, the AP will descend at its maximum achievable rate based on the selected speed.

———————————
Descent

At FL100:
- turn on the seatbelt lights
At TA:
- turn on Landing Lights and RW turn off Lights
- Set BARO to local
- Arm Spoilers

———————————
Before Approach

1. Use ILS charts to get MDA, DH and TA
2. Use METAR and the ILS Landing Chart info to complete the APPR PAGE
3. Check RADNAV is complete with ILS RW Frequency and CRS
4. Turn ON LS display

———————————
Approach

Approaching Final and GS ALT

1. Set Flaps 1: Ensure SPD is at or Below the Threshold (215) and allow AT to reduce SPD
2. Set Flaps 2 at threshold
3. Gear Down at threshold
4. Ensure LOC is captured. The PFD will show a purple diamond on the bottom indicating the direction of the RW LOC.
5. Ensure GS is captured. The purple diamond on the right should be visible.
6. Press APPR button to engage Approach Mode. The AP should now aim to centralise both diamonds indicating the aircraft is both lined up correctly and following the glide slope down.

———————————
Final & Landing

1. Set Flaps for Landing. Once APPR MODE is enabled and the descent has stabilised set flaps 3 or full depending on the config selected in the APPR PAGE in the FMC
2. Set Auto Breaks to MIN or MED as required.
3. Disengage AP and AT just before touchdown.
4. Maintain rate using diamonds until RETARD
5. At RETARD cut Throttle and begin slight flare until touchdown
6. At touchdown press and hold breaks while maintaining RW heading. You may use reverse thrust if required.
7. Begin reducing flaps and disengage reverse thrust if used
8. Slow down to Taxi SPD before turning off RW

[maxpmonaghan]

Note: While I had the A330-900 in mind for this specific guide, I can’t see why the general procedures would not work for the A318/19/20/21 etc. I personally am having trouble with plan sync failing on everything but the A330, why I’ve ended up using it so much. They worked, then they didn’t. I’m sure if I bothered to reinstall them it’d fix the issue.

Also, might have missed tags, or be in the wrong board.

[7heAngryVe7eran]

Thank you for posting this, maxpmonaghan.

It's appreciated when members of the community assist others by offering guides, advice, and suggestions.

[maxpmonaghan]

Thank you for posting this, maxpmonaghan.

It's appreciated when members of the community assist others by offering guides, advice, and suggestions.

Thanks, and I’d welcome any suggestions and feedback from anyone who has more to offer.

[maxpmonaghan]

I’ve fluffed out the bare bones guide with some theory and made it a little more clear

LVFR Airbus A330-900neo Guide

Introduction:
The LVFR Airbus A330-900neo guide provides some useful instructions, background information, and theory for operating the aircraft effectively in Microsoft Flight Simulator. This guide aims to enhance your understanding of flight planning, aircraft configuration, procedures, and in-flight operations.

Table of Contents:

1. Flight Planning on Simbrief
2. Aircraft Configuration
3. Options and Selections
4. Routing
5. MSFS 2020 Flight Planner
6. Tablet Integration
7. MCDU Setup
8. Flight Control Unit Configuration
9. Overhead Panel and Center Console
10. Checklist
11. Takeoff Procedure
12. Transition Altitude
13. Cruise
14. Before Top of Descent
15. Top of Descent
16. Descent
17. Before Approach
18. Approach
19. Final & Landing

Glossary:

• SID: Standard Instrument Departure - A predefined departure procedure used to guide aircraft from the departure airport to the en-route phase of flight.

• STAR: Standard Terminal Arrival Route - A predefined arrival procedure used to guide aircraft from the en-route phase of flight to the arrival airport.

• ATC: Air Traffic Control - The service responsible for managing the safe and efficient flow of air traffic.

• METAR: Meteorological Aerodrome Report - A weather report providing current meteorological conditions at a specific airport.

• MCDU: Multipurpose Control and Display Unit - A cockpit interface used for flight management and navigation.

• FD: Flight Director - A system that provides guidance to pilots for maintaining desired flight paths.

• CSTR: Constraint - A setting used to manage aircraft speed, altitude, and heading during flight.

• ALT: Altitude - The height above a specified reference point, typically measured in feet or meters.

• TOGA: Takeoff/Go-Around - A throttle setting used during takeoff or go-around maneuvers to maximize engine power.

• V1: Decision Speed - The maximum speed at which a takeoff can be safely aborted and the aircraft stopped within the remaining runway length.

• VR: Rotate Speed - The speed at which the pilot initiates rotation to lift the aircraft off the ground during takeoff.

• FLTPLN: Flight Plan - A plan outlining the intended route of flight, including waypoints, navigation aids, and altitude constraints.

• DH: Decision Height - The altitude at which a decision must be made during an instrument approach to either continue the approach or execute a missed approach.

• CRS: Course - The desired direction of flight, typically measured in degrees clockwise from true north.

• ILS: Instrument Landing System - A ground-based navigation aid that provides precision guidance to aircraft during approach and landing.

Knowledge Base

Flight Planning on Simbrief:

Simbrief is a powerful flight planning tool used by pilots to generate detailed flight plans based on aircraft performance data, weather conditions, and user input.
By entering specific parameters such as departure and arrival airports, alternate airports, and aircraft type, Simbrief generates a comprehensive flight plan that includes route waypoints, fuel requirements, and performance data.

Aircraft Configuration:

The A330-900neo is a modern wide-body aircraft manufactured by Airbus, featuring advanced aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort.
Configuration settings such as climb, cruise, and descent profiles are essential for optimizing the aircraft’s performance and efficiency during different phases of flight.

Options and Selections:

The selection of OFP layout, AIRAC cycle, and unit preferences allows pilots to customize their flight planning experience according to personal preferences and operational requirements.

Routing:

SIDs and STARs are standardized departure and arrival procedures designed to enhance safety and efficiency by providing clear guidance for aircraft navigating in and out of busy terminal airspace.
By prioritizing specific categories and types of routes, pilots can ensure that the selected procedures align with the capabilities and requirements of the A330-900neo.

MSFS 2020 Flight Planner:

Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) 2020 features an integrated flight planning tool that allows pilots to create and edit flight plans directly within the simulator.
Pilots can specify departure and arrival runways, select SID and STAR procedures, and adjust cruise altitude to match the flight plan generated on Simbrief.

Tablet Integration:

Tablet integration allows pilots to connect Simbrief directly to their in-game cockpit, providing real-time access to flight plan data, fuel calculations, and weather updates.
By synchronizing the flight plan, fuel, and payload information, pilots can ensure that their in-game experience reflects the parameters set in Simbrief.

MCDU Setup:

The Multipurpose Control and Display Unit (MCDU) is a central interface used by pilots to manage flight plans, performance calculations, and navigation settings.
Initialization of the MCDU involves inputting key parameters such as Cost Index, cruise level, and takeoff configuration, ensuring that the aircraft’s systems are configured correctly for departure.

Flight Control Unit Configuration:

The Flight Control Unit (FCU) is a panel located in the cockpit that allows pilots to control various flight parameters such as altitude, speed, and heading.
Configuration of the FCU involves setting barometric pressure, activating flight director and constraint modes, and configuring autopilot settings for different phases of flight.

Overhead Panel and Center Console:

The overhead panel and center console house various controls and indicators related to aircraft systems, including engine anti-ice, auto brake, spoilers, and flaps.
Proper configuration of these controls ensures that the aircraft is prepared for takeoff and operates safely during all phases of flight.

Checklist:

The checklist provides a systematic approach to pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight procedures, helping pilots ensure that critical tasks are completed in the correct sequence.
By following the checklist, pilots can minimize the risk of oversight and ensure that the aircraft is operated safely and efficiently.

Takeoff Procedure:

The takeoff procedure involves a series of steps designed to safely and efficiently transition the aircraft from the ground to the air.
Key elements of the takeoff procedure include verifying speeds, releasing parking brakes, applying throttle, and retracting landing gear and flaps.

Transition Altitude:

Transition altitude is the altitude at which pilots switch from using local barometric pressure to standard pressure (29.92 inches of mercury or 1013.25 millibars) for altitude reference.
At transition altitude, pilots also adjust other settings such as landing lights, spoilers, and seatbelt signs in preparation for cruising altitude.

Cruise:

The cruise phase of flight is characterized by stable, level flight at a predetermined altitude and airspeed.
Pilots use this phase to monitor aircraft systems, adjust fuel consumption, and navigate along the planned route using navigation aids and instruments.

Before Top of Descent:

Before reaching the top of descent (TOD), pilots prepare for the upcoming descent phase by reviewing the flight plan, verifying altitude constraints, and adjusting aircraft systems as necessary.
The TOD marks the point at which the aircraft begins its descent toward the destination airport.

Top of Descent:

The top of descent (TOD) is the point at which the aircraft begins its descent from cruise altitude toward the destination airport.
Pilots use navigation displays and flight management systems to calculate the TOD and initiate the descent profile according to the planned route.

Descent:

The descent phase of flight involves descending from cruise altitude to the arrival airport, typically following predefined descent profiles and procedures.

Pilots adjust aircraft systems, configure for landing, and monitor altitude, airspeed, and navigation aids during descent.

Before Approach:

Before initiating the approach phase, pilots review approach charts, configure aircraft systems for landing, and verify navigation settings for the selected approach procedure.
Key tasks include setting decision heights, configuring approach aids, and ensuring alignment with the runway.

Approach:

The approach phase of flight involves transitioning from the en-route phase to the final approach path for landing.
Pilots use instrument landing systems (ILS), autopilot modes, and visual references to guide the aircraft along the final approach course and establish a stabilized descent toward the runway.

Final & Landing:

The final approach and landing phase requires precise control and coordination to safely touchdown on the runway and bring the aircraft to a stop.
Pilots configure the aircraft for landing, disengage autopilot, and execute manual control inputs to flare and touchdown smoothly.

Explanatory Notes and References:

1. Simbrief: Simbrief is a comprehensive flight planning tool used by pilots to generate detailed flight plans based on aircraft performance data, weather conditions, and user input.
2. Aircraft Specifications: The Airbus A330-900neo is a modern wide-body aircraft featuring advanced aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort, manufactured by Airbus.
3. SID and STAR: Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs) and Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs) are predefined departure and arrival procedures used to guide aircraft in and out of terminal airspace safely and efficiently.

—————————————————————
WALKTHROUGH

Plan flight on Simbrief:
Create New Flight

———————————
Flight Info:

Choose Airline [AER]
(Can be anything but each airline has its unique prefix)

Choose Flight Number [2204]
(Usually four digits)

Enter Departure ICAO and Arrival ICAO
[EICK]-[EGKK]

Set TakeOff Time & Date

Alternate = Default [EGCC]


———————————
Aircraft Info:

Aircraft Type = A339 - A330 - 900

Airframe = LatinVFR (MSFS) A330-900

Climb = 250/300/80

Cruise = CI

Cost Index = AUTO

Descent = 80/300/250

Fuel Factor = P02

ATC Callsign = [AER2204] (Preference)

Registration = (Preference)

Fin Number = (Preference)


———————————
Selections:

OFP Layout = EZY

AIRAC = 2203
(unless newer available with subscription)

Units = (Preference)

*Everything Else Default*
Ensure all Switches are ON


———————————
Optional Entries:

Sched Block Time = Default

Depart Rwy = Default [34]

Arrive Rwy = Default [26L]

Altitude = AUTO

Passengers = (Preference) [FULL]

Freight = (Preference) [AUTO]

Payload = AUTO

ZFW = AUTO


———————————
Route:

*Find SID/STAR*
If available select a SID and/or STAR

[ELTI1N CAT C/D] & [OTME1G CAT C/D]

CAT A/B, CAT C/D, RNAV, Standard
Prioritize in above order

CAT ABCD categorizes Minimum Landing Speeds and Landing Weights. The A330-900 can achieve CAT B,C&D.

*Analyze Route*

*GENERATE*


———————————
MSFS 2020 Flight Planner:

In-game, use the MSFS planner to copy the Flight Plan.

Select your DEPT RW and ARRV RW

Select IFR Rules High.

Then select the SID and STAR previously chosen from the SB Briefing and enter them into the arrival / departure procedures.

Next select the correct ILS approach from your plan.

Finally change the cruise altitude to match the SB plan.

Load the Flight.

Make sure AI piloting is disabled, AI ATC assistance, AI piloting while in cursor and assisted takeoff are all disabled. Auto trim, anti-stall are fine.

Once you’ve taken off you can turn on the Co pilot ATC again, occasionally leaving it on for takeoff can cause the tower to cancel the plan after takeoff if not disabled before syncing flight plan.


———————————
Tablet:

- Connect Simbrief
Ensure the Authentication Process has been completed, found on the tablet. Else complete authentication and restart game.
Enter your SimBrief ID Number found in the account settings on the Simbrief website. E.g 905227

- Sync Flight Plan
Refresh the loaded flight plan if needed and then press Sync Flight Plan. Wait for the button to reset.

- Sync Fuel
Use either the MCDU or the Fuel Display to confirm updated fuel.

- Sync Payload
Use either the MCDU or the MFD to confirm updated weights

- Get METAR for DEPT
On the Home Page, enter the ICAO of the Departure airport.

- Complete Takeoff Calculations
On the Calculator Page refresh all weights and weather. Enter the ICAO of the DEPT ARPT and select the appropriate runway. Enter conditions and set flaps to 1+F, AirCon to ON and ANTI Ice to ON. Press calculate.


———————————
MCDU:

- INIT: Set CI
Input the Cost Index from Simbrief

- INIT: Set CRZ LVL
Input the Crz Altitude from Simbrief

- INIT: Align IRS & Confirm

- PERF: Set T/O flaps
Type “1/DN0.1” and enter into Flaps

- PERF: Set FLEX TO TEMP
At or Below DEPT temp from METAR

- PERF: Check V1,V2 & VR matches tablet calculations

- F-PLAN: Check for errors and ensure any SID has been inputted, it should be a waypoint in the plan.

Else press the button beside the DEPT. Select DEPARTURE, Select RW, Select SID (The planned SID is GREEN), for simplicity select NO TRANS and press INSERT on the Right.


———————————
Flight Control Unit:

- Set BARO to METAR Local
- Turn ON FD
- Turn ON CSTR
- Set SPD to MANAGED
- Set HEADING to RW HDG SELECTED
- Set ALT to ATC instruction MANAGED


———————————
Overhead Panel:

- Turn ON ENG 1 & ENG 2 Anti ICE
- Turn ON Seatbelt & Smoking Lights


———————————
Center Console:

- Arm Spoilers
– Set AUTO BRAKE MAX
- Turn OFF Parking Brake
- Set Flaps for Takeoff (Flaps 1)


———————————
Checklist:

- BARO Set
- Auto Breaks MAX
- Spoilers Armed
- Flaps Set (F1/10)
- FMC APPR PAGE complete
- Speed Set MANAGED or <=250KTS
- HDG Set to RW MANAGED
- ALT Set to ATC instruction or TA
- AP OFF
- AT OFF
- FD ON
- CSTR ON
- Seatbelt & Smoking lights ON
- Landing/NAV/etc Lights ON
- Parking Brake OFF


———————————
Once cleared for takeoff from Tower

1. Check V1&VR SPD and check Parking Brakes are OFF

2. Push Throttle to 50% and watch both stabilize on the MFD

3. Once both have stabilized push Throttle to FLEX/MCT or TOGA as required. If FMC is completed FLEX/MCT will be correctly calculated for Takeoff.

4. Push slightly forward on the side stick until the airspeed indicator is alive. (Once the IAS is registered as a number) then release.

5. Maintain RW heading until VR then pull back the controls, if the TAKEOFF PAGE is setup the FD will indicate the desired pitch.

6. Once Positive Rate is achieved (climbing and gaining speed) Gear Up

7. Approaching the Max Flaps speed - Flaps Up

8. Engage AP and AT: ensure SPD, HDG and ALT are set correctly. Fully Managed SPD and HDG with ALT set to ATC Instruction

9. Reduce Throttle to CLB detent once displayed on PFD.

10. Continue to follow CSTR’s climbing to TA ALT


———————————
Transition Altitude

Once at FL100 or TA whichever is greater:

Set BARO to STD
&
Either follow ATC Instructions

OR

1. Set ALT to CRZ ALT and push to follow FMC VNAV or Pull to engage OP CLB (open climb)

2. Set BARO to STD above TA

3. Turn OFF Landing Lights at TA

4. Disarm Spoilers at TA

5. Turn OFF Seatbelt Lights at FL100


———————————
Cruise

Use tablet to get METAR for Arrival airport

Use MCDU FPLAN to identify ToD
(RoT Before the first waypoint to contain a ALT constraint after CRZ LVL)

OR

Use Simbrief Flight Maps to identify ToD


———————————
Before Top of Descent

Check MCDU FLTPLN Page for the final CSTR FL. Usually the G/S approach ALT found on the ILS Chart.


———————————
Top of Descent

ToD will be indicated on the Navigation Display by an arrow pointing down beside the flight path.

Input final ALT FL CSTR from the MCDU or Charts

The A330 doesn’t automatically begin descent, you must either push the knob to engage Managed Descent and have the AP follow the VNAV and CSTR’s down to the selected ALT. Or pull to begin Open Descent, the AP will descend at its maximum achievable rate based on the selected speed.

This will cause ATC to request you climb and maintain their own instruction.

To follow ATC instructions ignore the planned ToD and descend as requested.


———————————
Descent

At FL100:

- Turn ON the Seatbelt Signs

– Prepare BARO

Set the pressure to the approach from the METAR from the tablet. Return to either instructed BARO or STD until TA

At TA:

- Turn ON Landing Lights and RW turn off Lights, Set Taxi Lights to Taxi

- Set BARO to local

- Arm Spoilers

– Turn ON LS Display

– Turn ON VOR1 & ADF2


———————————
Before Approach

1. Use ILS charts to get MDA, DH and TA
MDA is the RW THR ALT on the ILS Chart. DH is the respective OCA/H on the ILS chart, the LVFR A330-900 is capable of CAT 1 ILS Landings and is a minimum class B aircraft. Therefore the DH will be the CAT1 / ClassB OCA/H. The TA is also found on the charts.

2. Use METAR and the ILS Landing Chart info to complete the APPR PAGE
Enter the details from the charts and the tablet but leave WIND until advised from the Tower on Final.

3. Check RADNAV is complete with ILS RW Frequency and CRS
On the RAD NAV Page ensure the ILS frequency and CRS are accurate. For the most part the game’s selection matches the ILS charts, however if not, only use the charts data if using a 3rd party airport. Else use the CRS selected by the MCDU.


———————————
Approach

Approaching Final and GS ALT

1. Set Flaps 1: Ensure SPD is at or Below the Threshold (215) and allow AT to reduce SPD

2. Set Flaps 2 at threshold

3. Gear Down at threshold

4. Ensure LOC is captured.
The PFD will show a purple diamond on the bottom indicating the direction of the RW LOC.

5. Ensure GS is captured.
The purple diamond on the right should be visible.

6. Press the APPR button to engage Approach Mode.
The AP should now aim to centralize both diamonds indicating the aircraft is both lined up correctly and following the glide slope down.


———————————
Final & Landing

1. Set Flaps for Landing.
Once APPR MODE is enabled and the descent has stabilized set flaps 3 or full depending on the config selected in the APPR PAGE in the MCDU

2. Set Auto Breaks to MIN or MED as required.

3. Disengage AP and AT just before touchdown.

4. Maintain rate using diamonds until RETARD

5. At RETARD cut Throttle and begin slight flare until touchdown

6. At touchdown press and hold breaks while maintaining RW heading. You may use reverse thrust if required.

7. Begin reducing flaps and disengage reverse thrust if used

8. Slow down to Taxi SPD before turning off RW