I setup a free IFR flight plan test flight from Christchurch to Invercargil in New Zealand (was looking for a short flight with nice scenery, didn't end up with either) in the AirBus A321, hopeing to establish what I was good at and what I need to work on, or be taught. Endeavored to use the radios as well.
Was hoping not to start on the runway and taxi there instead, not sure where the option for that is. Got ATC clearance and took off. First Q was when they said change radio frequency... no idea how to do that. All I did was keep using the ATC controls to check for nearest airports until I was close enough for IN to show up, then requested a full stop landing and got clearance.
The route showed up on the GPS and OVR which was fine, wasn't able to tune the AP to it though. I also struggled to stick to my assigned altitude of 8000 ft even when modulating the throttle and using the trim controls, and engaging AP made the plane climb very quickly, up to 3x the height at one point. So before joining a VA I need to work out a foll-proof method of sticking bang-on my assigned altitude.
NZIN ATC later told me go left of the airport and land on runway 4 (my heading was 201 so pretty much had to do a 180 degree turn). The route on the OVR and GPS vanished and left it all up to me, I didn't line up properly but still could've managed it, but the TOGA switch kept going on automatically, so it was impossible to land with full throttle engaged, and using my throttle slider did nothing. This happened 3 times (my approach wasn't perfect, but still) until I gave up and quit as I was tired.
Given most RL pilots only fly the plane for about 4 minutes (take off and landing) I also have to work out the waypoint and auto-pilot systems better.