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.

Well that’s certainly no bueno. How about fume events? Have they happened on the Canabus? I can’t imagine it’d be worse than the 320 family especially the V2500 motors.

LWOP............

Leave without pay or life without parole?

And we know who that blue checkmarked someone is.

I have flown the Embraer, The 320 and 220.

320 has dual cue flight directors vs the FPV and purple bat on the 220
320 FMS is far easier and faster to program. Also, if do something in the wrong order on the 220 it may delete previously entered information. The 220 has to have data entered in a very specific way.
The Electronic checklist is AWESOME on the 220 This has the ability to trap and eliminate human errors when running checklists.
Just about all the switches and all the CB's are monitored by the aircraft in the 220.
Preflight and cockpit prep is very easy on the 220.
Moving map is way better on the 220. Radar is nice too. Also has options to call up Nexrad radar too on the displays
CPDLC is easier on the 220
Radio tuning the 220 is nice as well as the placement. You can tune on the glareshield for through the FMS
AC is better on the 220. The APU can freeze out
220 has better gasper vent placement
Can't open the cockpit windows on the 220, so you can't get fresh air on a turn if you wanted some
320 seats are better. that are 4 way power seats with a great recline. The 220 only has power height and everything else is manual. The 220 also has very limited recline
the 3-2 seating on the 220 is nice in the back.
Auto fuel transfers are nice on the 220
Auto Throttles do move on the 220 but if you bump them they will kick off. You cannot grab and hold them like you can on the 190. The 320's autothrust seems a bit better. I also like GS Mini on the 320 for approaches too.
220 Can do LPV approaches
220 Climbs pretty good compared to the 320
220 has better wipers and intermittent too
When hand flying you have to use the trim switch to move a trim bug. The computer then decides how much to move the horizontal. That takes some getting used to.
Engine starts take forever on both the 220 and 320 NEO's.
The tiller feels smoother on the 220
Electric brakes work well on the 220. No brake fans on the 220

In my personal opinion it comes down to personal preference on which a pilot would favor. The 220 is probably easier to learn for a pilot with an Embraer 170/175/190/195 background than once coming off the 320. As long as you don't try to make it an airbus you will be find.

Thank you for that thorough reply 727. It’s appreciated.