FiFi in Comparison to A220
 

Strictly an avgeek kind of question, but for those of you that have flown both, can you give a comparison between the two and what you like and dislike about one versus the other?

signed,

Fellow 121 pilot who’s 16 years into a 33 year sentence on The Guppy

Thoughts and prayers 🙏

Its hard to compare the two since they’re both completely different. They really only share a common name. They both have side sticks with similar protections I guess (Airbus laws vs A220 modes).

I would say that most former Fifi drivers would tell you that they enjoy the ergonomics of that plane more than the 220 but the technology on the 220 is leaps and bounds over the 320.

I heard the side stick has a better feel than the 320 and also moves simultaneously with the other side’s for better situational awareness. Is that true?

How about the autothrust/autothrottles? I assume they move as well unlike FiFi?

Sticks are independent like the 320 (they do not move simultaneously), and also have priority modes. Auto throttles do move like the 190.

Cockpit is nice and roomy like the 320, but the seats aren't quite as comfortable, especially for the transcons. The 320 reallllly set the bar high with comfort....

Yes I would say the 220 stick is more responsive and has better feel. Of course that’s a little subjective as well. Sidesticks are independent like the A320. The 220 also has this weird speed trim bug which seems to get negative reviews.

A220 is an autothrottle system, so they move unlike A320. One drawback is that they’ll disconnect if you try and override them much to the angst of the 190 transitions at JetBlue. Although it’s really a non-issue even in gusty winds.

Having flown a blackhawk, the trim is pretty intuitive; at least it shows you what it's set for.

Having flown the 170, I do miss the AT override, but it does work a LOT better than the Embraer, so it doesn't really need it anyway. (Though the easy disconnects on setting takeoff thrust are a pain, especially when coupled with the requirement to get it set promptly.)

Thanks for the answers fellas. The 220 seems like a sweet airplane and I sure wish we got it over the damn MAX 7s.

Be careful what you wish for. The Canabus likes to blow motors like its a contest. I can't see how the airplane could be flown ETOPs with a straight face from the feds, but I'm sure someone will try.

On the airbus side the pure power has better reliability then the v2500. Just sayin.

The ETOPS fleet so far has been very reliable. Obviously it’s a very similar power plant to the a220.