FSLabs has recently released a new update to its A321ceo product line, available via its Public and Experimental branches on the FSL Control Center. The update adds initial compatibility with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, many system enhancements, sound upgrades, and more.

Update v11.0.1.302 is their first update to feature initial compatibility with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. It makes several changes under the hood to support the new environment while also retaining compatibility with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.

The new update also brings system-level improvements, including bug fixes, performance optimizations, and refinements to raise the realism bar and reliability. They were driven by extensive internal QA and feedback from their community of pilots and testers.

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The sounds were also upgraded, substantially improving the soundscape around the cockpit and engines.

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Furthermore, FSLabs has also added the ROPS (Runway Overrun Prevention System)—not to be mistaken with the thing missing from some RTX 5080s and 5090s—an advanced safety feature designed by Airbus to help mitigate the risk of runway excursions during landing. It integrates two core functions: ROW (Runway Overrun Warning) and ROP (Runway Overrun Protection).

The Runway Overrun Warning provides proactive in-flight alerts by continuously computing the aircraft’s predicted stopping distances on dry and wet runways, considering real-time factors such as weight, speed, configuration, wind conditions, and runway slope. If it determines the available runway length is not enough for a safe landing, it automatically issues visual and aural alerts:

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The visual alert has the PFD display “runway too short,” the navigation display indicates the predicted stopping points extending beyond the runway’s end. The aural alert, on the other hand, triggers below 200 feet, with a repetitive “runway too short” audio warning.

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The alerts are in place to prompt the crew to start a go-around procedure, as a landing attempt beyond that point is deemed completely unsafe.

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The ROP system takes over upon touchdown and continuously assesses the aircraft’s deceleration capability against the remaining runway length, providing immediate guidance may it detect insufficient stopping distance:

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A visual alert – similar to the ROW one –displaying a “runway too short” warning, and aural alerts issuing commands such as “brake max braking,” “set max reverse,” and “keep max reverse” depending on the situation at hand, ensuring maximum deceleration efforts.

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The feature was faithfully recreated to replicate Airbus logic, ensuring realism and immersion for the virtual pilot.

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The Flight Performance Model has also been tweaked, changing how it responds in roll. By closely analyzing the roll momentum and inertia characteristics of the real A321 and incorporating feedback from current Airbus-rated pilots, they have fine-tuned the control laws within the ELAC (Elevator and Aileron Computer). It involved reworking gain schedules and dynamic response parameters to replicate the plane’s roll behavior more accurately across different flight phases and load conditions.

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Furthermore, the update now makes livery-specific EFB Backgrounds a possibility, no longer relying on Airline packs for that.

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The complete changelog for the update follows below:

Simulator Platform

• MSFS2024 Compatibility (Requires Sim Update 2 or later)
• Throttle Reverse Hold/Toggle Events Added
• Per Livery EFB Backgrounds are now possible

Air Con

• Updated Lane and Channel Control Logic
• Updated Maintenance Message

APU

• Fixed ECB Logic
• Fixed Fire Loop Logic
• Fixed Fire Test Logic

ATSU/AOC

• GSX NWS Memo Fixed
• Stations online fix
• Wind Uplink Improvements

CPC

• Landing Elevation Fixed when not set via Destination
• Landing Elevation Fixed with CPC 1+2 Fault

Effects

• Changed Cloud/Rain Lighting Effects

EFIS/FCU

• QNH set back to Simconnect for ACARS/Flight Tracker Support

Engines

• EMVU Intermittent fault fixed
• FADEC Powered states corrected
• Fixed Fire Test Logic

FAC

• Reactive Windshear Faults Added

Flaps

• SFCC 1+2 Slat Position Fix
• SFCC Maintenance Message Corrected

FMGC

• Radial Fix Format corrections
• Radial Fix Range limited to 256nm
• Status Page format updated

Flight Guidance/ELAC/FM

• AOA Calculations Refined
• FCTL Maintenance Message Corrected
• Roll Model Updated
• Updated to AP Pitch and Roll Response
• Updates to Direct Law
• Updates to FD Guidance

LGCIU/BSCU

• Brake Fans turn off when airborne
• BSCU 2 SYS Fault Logic Corrected

Fault logic fixed

• MMR/ACP
• ACP Voice Filter now stops Morse from playing
• Fixed Boot Issues with GPS Initialisation time

ROPS

• ROP/ROW Added to A321ceo

Sounds

• Various Updates, including ambient wind, takeoff and landing

Techlog

• Fixed Repair function not replacing wheel brake units

XPDR

• Fixed Transponder 1/2 Control Logic

Others

• Default pushback now removes GPU/Chocks
• Electrical Network Stability

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FSLabs has also briefly teased their upcoming A321neo with a single screenshot of an easyJet livery.

The FSLabs A321ceo is available in their store for $69.95.

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