Introduction to the Aerosoft CRJ Series for X-Plane

The Aerosoft CRJ Series is widely regarded as one of the most detailed and immersive regional jet add-ons for X-Plane. Modeling the Bombardier CRJ700, CRJ900, and CRJ1000, this package brings authentic systems, flight dynamics, and cockpit procedures to virtual pilots who want to replicate scheduled airline operations, charter flights, or corporate shuttle service. Whether you are new to the world of regional jets or looking to refine your skills, this guide will provide a comprehensive walkthrough—from initial setup to post-flight procedures—so you can operate the CRJ Series with confidence and realism.

Because regional jets operate under tighter schedules, shorter runways, and more demanding turnaround times than mainline aircraft, mastering the CRJ requires attention to detail at every phase. The following sections break down each stage of flight, offering checklists, pro tips, and reference links to help you get the most out of this excellent simulation.

Getting Started with the Aerosoft CRJ Series

Installation and Updates

Before your first flight, ensure you have installed the latest version of the CRJ add-on. Download the package from the Aerosoft website and run the installer. After installation, launch the Aerosoft CRJ update tool (usually found in your X-Plane aircraft folder) to check for any patches. Keeping the aircraft up to date is critical because updates often fix bugs, improve systems logic, and add features based on community feedback.

X-Plane Compatibility

The CRJ is designed to work with X-Plane 11 and X-Plane 12. Verify that your simulator version supports the add-on by reviewing the documentation included in the package. In X-Plane 12, you may need to adjust Visual Effects or Texture Quality settings to match the aircraft’s requirements—errors in rendering can sometimes cause cockpit instrument flickering or missing EFIS displays.

Cockpit Familiarization

Take time to explore the virtual cockpit. Use the mouse and the shift+3/4 pop-up panels to understand the layout: the Primary Flight Display (PFD), Navigation Display (ND), Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System (EICAS), and the Flight Management Computer (FMC) controller. The overhead panel contains switches for electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems. The center pedestal holds the autopilot mode control panel, radio stacks, and the FMC keyboard. Knowing where everything lives will save you valuable time during high-pressure phases like approach or engine failure.

For a deeper dive, consider downloading the official Aerosoft CRJ manual (PDF). Reading even the first two chapters will accelerate your learning curve significantly.

Pre-Flight Preparation

Setting the Stage: Weather, Time, and Payload

Begin by selecting your departure airport, arrival airport, and flight route in X-Plane’s flight configuration screen. Set the date and time to match your intended operations—using live weather via real-weather injection engines (like X-Plane’s built-in option or add-ons such as Active Sky) adds an extra layer of realism. Then load the CRJ aircraft. After the cockpit loads, configure the fuel and payload using the “Weight & Balance” menu in X-Plane (or the aircraft’s own load manager pop‑up). For typical regional jet operations, target a load factor of 70–80% capacity and ensure center-of-gravity (CG) stays within the permissible envelope shown on the EICAS fuel page.

Cold and Dark Startup Sequence

Start with a cold-and-dark cockpit for maximum immersion. Turn on the battery and standby instruments, then follow the Aerosoft Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) for engine start. The CRJ uses a two-engine start procedure: first the APU, then the left engine, then the right engine. After engine start, you must configure the air conditioning packs, pressurization, hydraulic pumps, and electrical generators. A typical checklist flow is:

  • Battery switch ON – verify DC voltmeter
  • Standby instruments ON (ADI, EHSI, …)
  • APU start – wait for APU available light
  • Left engine start – monitor ITT, N2, fuel flow
  • Right engine start – same procedure
  • Set generator switches to ON
  • Configure pressurization – flight altitude, landing altitude, rate
  • Arm the automatic flight control system (AFCS) if desired

Pro tip: Use the Aerosoft’s built-in voice checklist or the tablet in the virtual cockpit to track your progress. The FMC also includes a “Preflight” page that reminds you of required entries before pushback.

Flight Management Computer (FMC) Programming

Proper FMC programming is the backbone of effective CRJ navigation. Access the FMC via the left-center pedestal. Enter your flight plan either manually using airways and waypoints or by importing a flight plan from SimBrief or another planner via the FMS. The CRJ’s FMC supports SIDs, STARs, and approach transitions. Key pages to configure:

  • IDENT page – confirm aircraft NAV data cycle
  • ROUTE – enter departure airport, route legs, arrival airport
  • DEPARTURE / ARRIVAL – select runway, SID, STAR, and approach
  • PERF INIT – input zero fuel weight, fuel reserve requirement, and cruise altitude
  • THRUST LIMIT – set derate or flex temperature for reduced takeoff thrust (optional)
  • FUEL MANAGEMENT – verify tank quantities and engage crossfeed if needed

Always double-check the FMC route against your paper or on-screen chart. Simple errors (like a missed waypoint) can lead to unexpected lateral navigation or altitude deviations later.

Taxi and Takeoff Procedures

Pushback and Engine Start

After completing the preflight checks and obtaining clearance from ATC (or using X-Plane’s built-in ATC), request pushback. The CRJ does not have a built-in pushback feature, so use either the X-Plane pushback plugin (default by pressing Shift + P) or a third-party tool like BetterPushback. Once clear of the gate, start engines if not already running. Hold the brake, set throttles to idle, and ensure both generators are online.

Taxi

Taxi in the CRJ is managed using the nosewheel steering tiller (by default, the left mouse button and drag controls tiller rotation) or rudder pedals. On narrow ramps and tight corners, use the tiller for large deflections; on straight taxiways, use the pedals. Watch your wingtip clearance—the CRJ’s wingspan may be narrower than an airliner, but regional gates can be tight. Keep taxi speed below 20 knots and reduce to 10 knots when turning. Use the brakes gently; the CRJ’s carbon brakes are powerful and can cause abrupt stops if pressed too hard.

Takeoff Configuration

On the runway, align the aircraft on the centerline using rudder. Set flaps to the required takeoff setting—typically flaps 8° for most takeoffs (verified on the overhead panel). Set the stabilizer trim using the FMC-calculated trim value (e.g., 5.0 units nose up). Immediately before applying takeoff thrust, run through the “Before Takeoff” checklist:

  • Flight controls – full and free
  • Autopilot – disengaged
  • Yaw damper – armed
  • Landing gear lever – DOWN and gear pins removed
  • Flaps – set, leading edge slats confirmed
  • Fuel pumps – both ON
  • Transponder – TA/RA
  • Ignition – both sets

Roll and Rotation

Smoothly advance the thrust levers to approximately 40% N1, pause momentarily for engine stabilization, then continue to the selected N1 limit. The CRJ accelerates briskly. Monitor the PFD for V1, VR, and V2 speeds displayed on the airspeed tape. Call out “V1,” then “Rotate” at VR—apply back pressure at about 2–3° per second to achieve an initial pitch attitude of 15–18°. After positive climb, call “Gear Up” and retract the landing gear. At 400 feet AGL, reduce pitch to 10° while accelerating to the flap retraction speed (typically 185–200 knots). Retract flaps to 0° on schedule and transition to a normal climb profile.

External resource: For an in-depth analysis of CRJ takeoff performance, check tutorials on Aerosoft’s official YouTube channel.

In-Flight Operations

Climb and Cruise

Manage the climb using the autopilot’s VNAV mode. With a properly programmed FMC, the aircraft will follow the altitude constraints of your SID, step climbs, and cruise altitude automatically. Monitor EICAS for engine parameters: ITT, fuel flow, oil temp, and vibration. In the CRJ, cruise performance depends on altitude and wind—typical cruise speeds are Mach 0.78–0.82 at FL350–FL410. Use the FMC’s PROGRESS page to check fuel predicted remaining versus actual, and adjust speed or altitude if needed to ensure reserves.

Systems Monitoring

During cruise, periodically scan the overhead panel for caution and warning lights. The CRJ’s electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems are mostly automated, but keep an eye on:

  • Fuel tanks – ensure balance; if one tank feeds the engines more with crossfeed closed, the aircraft will roll due to asymmetric balance
  • Cabin pressurization – check that the cabin altitude remains below 8,000 ft
  • Anti-ice – when outside temperature drops below 10°C in visible moisture, activate engine and wing anti-ice
  • Reverser arm – kept stowed until landing

Descent Planning

Begin descent calculations about 30–40 nm from the top of descent (TOD). The FMC will indicate TOD on the navigation display as a circle. When descending, use VNAV SPD or V/S to maintain a 1,500–2,000 ft/min descent rate while keeping speed below 250 knots below 10,000 ft. Set the altimeter to the arrival QNH (or 29.92 when above transition altitude) and brief the approach.

Weather considerations: If you are flying into an airport with storm cells or significant winds, use X-Plane’s on-screen weather radar (the CRJ includes a simulated WXR) to adjust the descent path for thunderstorm cells.

Approach and Landing

Instrument Landing System (ILS) Approach Setup

Configure the EFIS to show the ILS frequency on the NAV radio (or auto-tune via the FMC). Arm the approach mode by pressing the APR button on the autopilot mode panel. For an ILS approach, capture the localizer first, then intercept the glide slope from below. Reduce speed to Vref (typically 130–140 knots depending on weight) and extend flaps in sequence: 8°, 20°, 30°. Lower the landing gear around the final approach fix. Confirm three green gear lights.

Visual Approach and Flare

As you break out of the weather (or if cleared for a visual approach), disengage the autopilot at or before 500 feet AGL for a hands‑on landing. Keep the pitch attitude around 2–3° nose down on final, and crosscheck airspeed stays at Vref +5 knots. At about 30 feet, initiate flare by slowly increasing pitch to 5–6°. Cut the throttles to idle when the main wheels are about 5 feet above the runway. Hold the flare and let the aircraft settle. After main gear touchdown, lower the nose wheel gently. Apply reverse thrust by pulling the reverser levers up (or using the “hold reverse” command), and use wheel braking as needed. Disarm reverse at 60 knots, then continue taxi to the gate.

Post-Flight Procedures

Shutdown and Parking

After clearing the runway, proceed to your assigned parking spot. Set the parking brake and run the “After Landing” checklist:

  • Flaps – retract to 0°
  • Spoilers – disarm manually
  • APU – start (if you need ground power and air conditioning before shutdown)
  • Engines – shut down with fuel lever cut-offs; wait for N2 below 50% before turning off generator switches
  • Electrical – turn off battery, external power if connected
  • Secure cockpit – set all switches to OFF or AUTO as per QRH

Record any failures or unusual log entries. In a virtual airline environment, you might also submit a PIREP from the flight log.

Advanced Tips for Realistic Regional Jet Operations

  • Use real-world flight plans: Import today’s real CRJ schedules from sites like FlightAware or SimBrief. SimBrief will pre‑calculate fuel, airframe weight, and alternate requirements for your specific CRJ variant.
  • Simulate system failures: The Aerosoft CRJ includes a failure simulation system (accessed via the tablet or failures menu). Try practicing an engine failure on takeoff, or an alternator failure during cruise, using the QRH
  • Join a virtual airline: Many VA dedicated to regional operations (e.g., PSA virtual, Delta Connection virtual, or Continental Express historic) use the CRJ as their primary aircraft. Flying their routes, checking in with company dispatch, and following their SOPs will elevate your immersion.
  • Weather and time of day: Fly different times of day and seasons. Hand‑flying the CRJ in low‑visibility conditions with only raw data will test your scan and improve your instrument skills.
  • External resources: Supplement your learning with the X‑Plane.org CRJ support forum and Aerosoft’s own FAQ documentation.

Conclusion

Mastering the Aerosoft CRJ Series in X‑Plane is a rewarding journey that combines procedural precision with the joy of flying one of the most popular regional jets in the world. By following the steps outlined in this guide—from cold‑and‑dark startup to post‑flight secure—you will be able to operate the aircraft safely, efficiently, and with a high degree of authenticity. Keep a copy of the QRH handy, use real‑world methods, and never stop practicing. With each flight, you’ll develop the muscle memory and systems familiarity that separates a competent virtual pilot from an exceptional one. Happy flying!