What’s it doing now? Airbus edition
05-07-2023, 12:24 PM
#1
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Joined APC: May 2012
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Posts: 17
What’s it doing now? Airbus edition
I’m new on the Airbus A320 fleet at a carrier flying several of the iterations covered by the A320 type. I’d greatly appreciate hearing your stories on things the automation does that have had you saying, “what is it doing now?” I know this airplane has quite a bit of sophistication in its automation, and I’d like to hear different stories to fill in the gaps that the simulator and my early flying will likely have. Thank you in advance—I think many could benefit from this.
05-07-2023, 12:34 PM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2021
Posts: 708
the "advanced level of automation" is based on mid 1980's technology. 99% of the "what is it doing now" is the Pilot not understanding what he himself told the plane to do.
keep an eye on VNAV descents, approach mode, decel point. ALWAYS confirm APPR phase is Green/Active when on final. glance down and double check it.
have fun, outstanding airplane.
keep an eye on VNAV descents, approach mode, decel point. ALWAYS confirm APPR phase is Green/Active when on final. glance down and double check it.
have fun, outstanding airplane.
05-07-2023, 12:44 PM
#3
Super Moderator
Joined APC: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,901
Originally Posted by hercretired
the "advanced level of automation" is based on mid 1980's technology. 99% of the "what is it doing now" is the Pilot not understanding what he himself told the plane to do.
keep an eye on VNAV descents, approach mode, decel point. ALWAYS confirm APPR phase is Green/Active when on final. glance down and double check it.
have fun, outstanding airplane.
keep an eye on VNAV descents, approach mode, decel point. ALWAYS confirm APPR phase is Green/Active when on final. glance down and double check it.
have fun, outstanding airplane.
When it’s 4am on a red eye and you were delayed 2 hours and have flown 6 hours across the country is when you’ll find these things. If the PFD is flashing LS at you and you can’t figure out what it means… you didn’t push the button on the glare shield on the approach prep.
05-07-2023, 01:20 PM
#4
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Originally Posted by hercretired
the "advanced level of automation" is based on mid 1980's technology. 99% of the "what is it doing now" is the Pilot not understanding what he himself told the plane to do.
keep an eye on VNAV descents, approach mode, decel point. ALWAYS confirm APPR phase is Green/Active when on final. glance down and double check it.
have fun, outstanding airplane.
keep an eye on VNAV descents, approach mode, decel point. ALWAYS confirm APPR phase is Green/Active when on final. glance down and double check it.
have fun, outstanding airplane.
Originally Posted by usmc-sgt
That’s a good one. Youll be in for one heck of a surprise when you give away the speed on final.
When it’s 4am on a red eye and you were delayed 2 hours and have flown 6 hours across the country is when you’ll find these things. If the PFD is flashing LS at you and you can’t figure out what it means… you didn’t push the button on the glare shield on the approach prep.
When it’s 4am on a red eye and you were delayed 2 hours and have flown 6 hours across the country is when you’ll find these things. If the PFD is flashing LS at you and you can’t figure out what it means… you didn’t push the button on the glare shield on the approach prep.
05-08-2023, 02:26 PM
#5
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2021
Posts: 708
personal technique is ETP point I do my "admin stuff." get an early ATIS at destination (sure it will change, but so what). Verify/validate STAR, likely approach, review NOTAMS again, etc. that is done, now it is an Excellent Time to Pee and I do bathroom break and maybe eat if I get a meal
Prior to TOD, I get LS push button, Auto-brake setting, and brief the arrival and approach. I also talk about Go Around actions "doubt we need it but just in case lets talk about it" etc
follow company SOP but the above will fit somewhere into it nicely and legally in most cases
have fun
Prior to TOD, I get LS push button, Auto-brake setting, and brief the arrival and approach. I also talk about Go Around actions "doubt we need it but just in case lets talk about it" etc
follow company SOP but the above will fit somewhere into it nicely and legally in most cases
have fun
05-08-2023, 03:13 PM
#6
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Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 37,813
Keep in mind that if you get into A.FLOOR and subsequently TOGA LK, you'll need to disconnect A/THR to regain thrust control. Otherwise you're stuck in TOGA.
Keep that in mind. the levers for a while before you think to disconnect it you're going to badly overspeed if at low altitudes.
Also if things aren't going well and you turn the AP off make darn sure you turn *both* FDs off too... that should be instinctive. AP off with FD on should be a deliberate exception such as short final with LS, or possibly VNAV if SOP allows.
Keep that in mind. the levers for a while before you think to disconnect it you're going to badly overspeed if at low altitudes.
Also if things aren't going well and you turn the AP off make darn sure you turn *both* FDs off too... that should be instinctive. AP off with FD on should be a deliberate exception such as short final with LS, or possibly VNAV if SOP allows.
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