For the Fenix my approach is:
SETUP:
- Disable Jetway and Door automation in the Fenix EFB (this makes GSX control all the animations, only need to do this once)
- Set Pax density to "Dense" in the GSX Settings if you don't want to wait too long for boarding.
- For less questions from GSX in this whole sequence, I suggest enabling automated selection of providers, turnaround simulation, and disable the "confirm good engine start" in the GSX settings.
DEPARTURE:
- If you want, connect the Jetway and open first door when loading into the sim, otherwise it will connect later upon boarding
- First call catering (if you want it) and wait for it to be almost complete
- Then call the Fuel Truck, wait for it to arrive and GSX to ask you to use the aircraft system to fuel
- Use the EFB to Load the aircraft and at the same time press the Request Boarding menu option in GSX so Fenix and GSX start boarding at the same time (I usually use the "fast" option for loading) - this also starts the animations for Jetway, stairs, doors etc.
- GSX will automatically do the cargo loading once refueling is finished (this is why I use the "fast" option in Fenix since cargo loading needs to happen after fueling is done)
- When using "fast" option in the Fenix, it'll be faster done boarding than GSX, but that's ok - just wait for GSX to be finished with pax and cargo loading as well.
- While boarding is still ongoing, you can press "request pushback and departure", it will be put on hold. Once boarding is finished, the pushback sequence will start automatically
- Make sure to have the APU running and parking brake set, switch off external power and use the Fenix EFB to disable GPU and Chocks now (latest when pushback sequence is initiated) as otherwise GSX pushback won't work properly
ARRIVAL:
- When arriving select the airport+gate and taxi there
- Once parked and engines shut down, Fenix will ask for deboarding - confirm this and also request deboarding in GSX at the same time (this initiates the animations)
- If you want to depart again (turnaround) make sure to set up simbrief prior arrival so GSX has the data available. In that case start over with the "DEPARTURE" section once deboarding is complete, you might have to skip Refueling if you have turnaround auto-service enabled since that one calls refueling automatically.
Following this procedure gives me a quite seamless experience on most airports with the least amount of manual input.