FlightCockpitGuide · MSFS 2020 · FlyByWire A32NX · Android
Use the FlyByWire A32NX MCDU on your Android tablet
Programming the flight plan with a mouse on a small cockpit screen is slow. With FlightCockpit, the A32NX’s MCDU sits on your tablet beside the keyboard: tap the keys, type into the scratchpad, and keep your outside view on the monitor. The MCDU is a beta feature of the A320 family pack.
What you get
The real MCDU, not a copy
The screen is the A32NX's own MCDU, as the aircraft draws it. Line select keys, the page keys such as INIT, F-PLN, PERF, PROG and RAD NAV, the scratchpad and CLR work as in the cockpit.
Captain and first officer
MCDU 1 (CAPT) and MCDU 2 (F/O) are separate widgets. Put one on its own page in portrait, or both side by side on a large tablet.
Next to your other instruments
The MCDU sits on the same dashboard as the FCU, EFIS, the original displays and the core widgets — no browser tab, no address to type.
What you need
- A Windows 10 or 11 PC running Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
- The FlyByWire A32NX and FlyByWire SimBridge, both from the FlyByWire Installer.
- An Android tablet or phone on the same local network as the PC.
- The FlightCockpit desktop bridge on the PC, the FlightCockpit app on the tablet, and beta access with the A320 family pack.
Set up the MCDU in four steps
1. Install the A32NX and SimBridge
Both come from the FlyByWire Installer on your PC. SimBridge is the small FlyByWire program that lets other devices reach the MCDU.
2. Set up FlightCockpit
Install the desktop bridge on the PC and pair your Android tablet once with the QR code — the setup guide covers each step.
3. Let the bridge start SimBridge
When the A32NX is loaded and SimBridge is installed but not running, the desktop bridge starts it for you. The setting “Start FlyByWire SimBridge automatically” is on by default; SimBridge keeps running when FlightCockpit closes.
4. Add the MCDU to your dashboard
In the widget library, open the A320 family pack and add MCDU 1, MCDU 2 or both. Make the widget large enough for the keys.
When the MCDU does not appear
“Start FlyByWire SimBridge on your PC to use the MCDU”
SimBridge is not running. Start it from the FlyByWire Installer, or switch on “Start FlyByWire SimBridge automatically” in the desktop bridge settings.
“MCDU not available — load the A32NX”
SimBridge runs, but no A32NX is loaded. Load the aircraft; the MCDU appears once it is ready.
SimBridge runs and the A32NX is loaded, but the MCDU stays empty
The A32NX looks for SimBridge for about five minutes after it loads, then sets SimBridge to AUTO OFF. Set it back to AUTO in the flyPad (Settings → Sim Options) and the MCDU connects. With the automatic start on, SimBridge is usually there in time.
Browser MCDU, hardware MCDU or FlightCockpit?
Each has its place — it depends on how much of your cockpit you want on the tablet and how much you want to spend.
FlyByWire’s remote MCDU in a browser
Fits when: Free and part of SimBridge: open it in any browser on a tablet or phone in your network.
Keep in mind: A browser page of its own — one more address to open on each device, and nothing else of your cockpit beside it.
A hardware MCDU
Fits when: Real keys with real travel; the most immersive option for a home cockpit.
Keep in mind: Costs considerably more, takes desk space and needs its own drivers and profiles.
FlightCockpit
Fits when: The MCDU as a widget in a native Android app, on the same dashboard as FCU, EFIS, original displays and core widgets.
Keep in mind: For now only the FlyByWire A32NX in MSFS 2020, Android only, and in beta as part of the A320 family pack.
FlyByWire, A32NX and SimBridge are names of the FlyByWire Simulations project. FlightCockpit is not affiliated with or endorsed by FlyByWire Simulations.
Common questions
Which aircraft have the MCDU?
Today the FlyByWire A32NX, because its MCDU comes through FlyByWire SimBridge. Other A320 add-ons are on the roadmap; the aircraft page shows what each one gets.
Does it cost anything?
The MCDU belongs to the A320 family pack, part of the upcoming Pilot plan. During the beta, testers get the pack free. The core widgets stay in the Free plan.
Does it work with MSFS 2024?
Not yet. MSFS 2024 support is on the public roadmap; today the desktop bridge reads MSFS 2020.
Can I use an iPad?
Not yet. FlightCockpit runs on Android tablets and phones; an iOS app is on the roadmap.
Does my data go through the internet?
No. The MCDU travels from SimBridge on your PC to your tablet on your local network. Your account and pairing need an internet connection.
Fly the A32NX with the MCDU on your tablet
Apply for the beta with a free account and tell us that you fly the A32NX — beta testers get the A320 family pack free.
Microsoft Flight Simulator® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. FlightCockpit is an independent third-party product and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Microsoft Corporation. Airbus and A320 are trademarks of Airbus. FlightCockpit is not affiliated with Airbus.