The Ultimate Long-Haul Experience: FlightFactor Airbus A350 XWB v1.4.6 for X-Plane Airbus A350 XWB Advanced
by FlightFactor remains one of the most popular long-range wide-body choices for virtual pilots on X-Plane 10 X-Plane 11 . With the release of
, the developers introduced critical stability and compatibility fixes that solidified its place as a reliable "advanced" tier aircraft. Key Features of the A350 XWB Advanced
FlightFactor designed this aircraft as an "Advanced" model, bridging the gap between basic entry-level planes and "Pro" study-level simulations. Realistic Fly-By-Wire
: Includes a highly realistic implementation of Airbus "Normal Law" by QPAC, simulating authentic flight protections and handling. Onboard Information System (OIS)
: A comprehensive "touchscreen" interface in the cockpit for managing ground services, weight, fuel, and passenger loading. Fully Customized Systems
: Independent simulation of electrical, hydraulic, and air conditioning systems, along with a custom ECAM monitoring system. Interactive Checklist
: A functional electronic checklist that guides pilots through every phase of flight, from cold-and-dark to shutdown. High-Resolution Modeling
: Features a detailed virtual cockpit with HD textures and fully animated external mechanics like gear and control surfaces. What鈥檚 New in Version 1.4.6? xplane 10 11 airbus a350 xwb v146 exclusive
The v1.4.6 update was a maintenance-focused release primarily aimed at ensuring compatibility and fixing long-standing bugs on the X-Plane.Org Forum Windows 10 Chart Fix
: Resolved an issue where charts would fail to load for Windows 10 users. XP11 FMGS Stabilization
: Specific fixes for the Flight Management Guidance System (FMGS) to ensure smoother operation within X-Plane 11. Thrust Reverse Option
: Added the ability to toggle thrust reverse via the F1 key, providing more flexibility for hardware setups. Installation Flexibility : The version includes separate files ( for XP10 and a350_x11.acf
for XP11) to ensure the flight model behaves correctly for each simulator version. Flight Management & Navigation
While v1.4.6 provided a stable foundation, it is important to note that it utilizes a "basic" SID/STAR implementation using native X-Plane
files. For pilots seeking fully integrated, data-driven SID/STAR support, modern versions (v1.6.0 and later) have since introduced these features along with official Vulkan support. Why Choose the FlightFactor A350?
The A350 XWB is ideal for pilots who want the experience of flying a modern, high-tech jet without the steep learning curve of a full study-level simulation. It offers excellent frame-rate performance compared to other heavy aircraft and features a "What you see is what you fly" flight path indication on the Navigation Display (ND). The aircraft is available at the X-Plane.Org Store Strong visual fidelity and cockpit immersion
and remains a staple for anyone looking to conquer transcontinental routes in X-Plane. for your first flight in the A350? v1.4.6 - A350 by FlightFactor - X-Plane.Org Forum
The FlightFactor Airbus A350 XWB Advanced (specifically versions like v1.4.6 and its successors) is a high-fidelity simulation for X-Plane 10 and 11, featuring advanced fly-by-wire logic and an integrated Onboard Information System (OIS)
. While the "Advanced" version is designed to be accessible, it includes deep system modeling such as a custom ECAM monitoring system and full MCDU functionality for flight planning. X-Plane.Org Forum Essential Startup & Cold & Dark Procedures For a successful cold and dark startup , follow this streamlined sequence: Electrical Power
: Turn on all four batteries (BAT 1, BAT EMER 1, BAT EMER 2, BAT 2). If External Power is available, engage EXT PWR 1 and 2 via the overhead panel. Systems Initialization
: Set the ADIRS selectors (1, 2, and 3) to NAV to begin IRS alignment. Turn on Crew Oxygen and primary flight computers (PRIM & SEC).
: Turn the APU Master switch ON, wait for the APU page on the SD, then press APU START. Confirm "APU AVAIL" before turning on APU Bleed for cabin air. Engine Start
: Set the Engine Start selector to START. Engage Engine Master 1, wait for stabilization, then engage Engine Master 2. Key Flight Management Features MCDU & Flight Planning
: Newer updates allow for full SID/STAR implementation using native X-Plane FMS files. You can manually program departures and arrivals or fetch Simbrief plans automatically by entering your ID in the OIS options. OIS (Onboard Information System) A Brief History: Why the A350 XWB for XPlane
: Use the outer displays (Capt/FO) to manage aircraft options, ground equipment (stairs, loaders, GPUs), and perform takeoff performance calculations Electronic Checklist : The aircraft includes an integrated Airbus electronic checklist system
that guides you through every phase from pre-flight to securing the aircraft. Performance & Handling Tips
The default XPlane flight model for heavy aircraft often feels "floaty." The v146 Exclusive team overhauled the aircraft鈥檚 .AFL file (Airfoil). The result? The A350 now retains energy realistically. On final approach to Heathrow (EGLL), you will feel the drag when you extend flaps to FULL. Takeoff rotation feels heavy, yet responsive, exactly as pilot reports describe the real A350-900.
The Airbus A350 XWB v146 for X-Plane 10/11 is a polished payware add-on delivering a convincing A350 long-haul experience with strong visuals, a capable flight model, and substantial systems modeling. It鈥檚 well-suited for sim pilots who want immersive widebody operations without requiring the absolute deepest systems fidelity of ultra-study aircraft, and it pairs well with modern hardware and community enhancements for the best realism.
Flying the A350 v146 Exclusive from gate to gate is a multi-hour commitment that demands discipline. A typical cold-and-dark start involves powering up the external GPU, programming the FMS with a route and performance data, initializing the IRS (Inertial Reference System), and configuring the overhead panel鈥攁 process that takes roughly 15 minutes for a proficient user. Pushback, engine start, and taxi are aided by custom ground-handling physics. Takeoff requires monitoring of flight modes (SRS, CLB, NAV), and the FBW system ensures a smooth rotation. Cruise is stable and fuel-efficient, with the autopilot faithfully following altitude and speed constraints. The most demanding phase is the descent and approach, where the pilot must manage energy, configure flaps sequentially, and ultimately disconnect the autopilot for a manual landing. The aircraft rewards proper technique with a satisfying touchdown, while abrupt control inputs can trigger 鈥淎lpha Floor鈥� protections or destabilize the approach.
Before we dissect the v146 update, it is crucial to understand the landscape. The Airbus A350 XWB (Extra Wide Body) is Airbus鈥檚 answer to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Featuring carbon-fiber composite construction, Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, and a state-of-the-art "Airspace" cabin, the A350 is a modern marvel.
For years, XPlane 10 and 11 users had limited options for this jet. Early freeware models lacked systems depth, while payware options were expensive and sometimes buggy. Enter the "v146 Exclusive"鈥攁 community-driven, highly polished freeware modification that bridged the gap between basic freeware and study-level payware.
Do not confuse v1.4.6 with the newer v1.7+ 鈥� later versions add native XP11 support, better sounds, improved FMS, and the OIS screens. If you're on XP11, consider updating to v1.7.x if possible.