A320 Auto Flight System
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the A320's Auto flight system?

  • To completely automate all flight operations without pilot interaction
  • To provide fully automatic managed operation with direct inputs from pilots (correct)
  • To assist pilots with navigation only
  • To monitor fuel consumption during the flight

Which components contribute to the position data inputs of the FMGS?

  • Flight Control Unit, FMGCs, and Autopilots
  • EFIS displays, MCDUs, and Thrust Levers
  • ADIRS, GPS, and Radio Navigation data (correct)
  • Flight Directors, GPS, and Auto thrust

When are inputs made to a MCDU in the context of the FMGS?

  • For short term operational changes
  • During lost communication scenarios
  • To adjust the landing gear configuration
  • When long term operations are desired (correct)

What characterizes 'selected' guidance in the FMGS?

<p>It facilitates short term operational changes by direct inputs to the FCU (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the FMGS handles flight guidance?

<p>Flight guidance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the FMGS automatically tune for enhanced navigation?

<p>Navigation radios (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are the two FMGCs within the FMGS typically operated?

<p>In synchronization to provide main computing support (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the functions of the FMGS?

<p>It manages both flight guidance and augmentation processes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mode is engaged when the SPD/MACH selector knob is pulled out during Auto flight?

<p>Selected Speed Mode (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the managed mode of FMGS operation?

<p>Dashes replace the selected value in the display. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Altitude selector knob modify the altitude settings?

<p>The outer ring is typically set to 1000 feet increments. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when the Altitude selector knob is pushed?

<p>Activates the vertical profile compliance. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which situation would the METRIC ALT pushbutton be useful?

<p>To change the target altitude to a metric reference. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does pressing the HDG-V/S/TRK-FPA pushbutton change?

<p>From HDG-V/S to TRK-FPA mode. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What visual indicators are displayed when the HDG/TRK knob is engaged in managed mode?

<p>Dashes and a solid white dot. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which description accurately represents the function of the SPD/MACH selector knob?

<p>It selects a target speed value for the AP or A/THR. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of the EXPED pushbutton?

<p>To expedite climb or descent to the selected altitude. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does pulling the V/S - FPA selector knob engage?

<p>Selected mode for V/S or FPA operations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mode is indicated when the HDG/TRK knob is pulled?

<p>Selected lateral mode. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what context does a solid white dot appear in the display?

<p>When managed speed mode is activated. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the automatic changeover from SPD to MACH?

<p>Happens during climb. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Thrust Lever Angle (TLA) primarily determine?

<p>The thrust limit of the engine (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the crew moves the thrust levers to the CL detent after takeoff?

<p>The A/THR activates and remains armed. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario will the A/THR remain engaged with one engine inoperative?

<p>When thrust levers are positioned between idle and MCT detent. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the display of MAN TOGA in the FMA Auto Thrust column?

<p>Thrust is manually controlled at TOGA level. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when the thrust levers are moved to IDLE during manual flight?

<p>A/THR disconnects. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What message displays when the A/THR is voluntarily disconnected?

<p>A/THR OFF (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What activates the A/THR after it has been armed?

<p>Pilot moving the thrust levers to the CL detent. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should a pilot do to re-engage the A/THR after a disconnect?

<p>Move the thrust levers to the CLB detent and press the A/THR pushbutton. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the flare phase with A/THR in SPEED mode if the thrust levers are not moved to IDLE?

<p>The A/THR will maintain target speed. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When does the FMA A/THR indicate a transition from thrust mode to SPEED mode?

<p>As the aircraft reaches the target altitude. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended method for disconnecting A/THR to prevent unexpected thrust variations?

<p>Moving thrust levers to match current N1 and pressing the instinctive disconnect pushbutton. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When A/THR is INACTIVE, what must the crew do for taxi and takeoff?

<p>Manually set the required power. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens immediately after an instinctive disconnect is performed?

<p>A single aural warning occurs, Master Warning lights flash, and an AP OFF message appears. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of disconnect occurs when the instinctive disconnects are used for Auto Thrust or AP?

<p>Normal Disconnect (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is displayed on the FMA when both autopilots and flight directors are turned off?

<p>Only the active A/THR mode is visible. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs to the FMA modes when the FPV is displayed?

<p>They change to reflect new targeting such as TRK. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should the flight directors be operated in normal conditions?

<p>Both should be turned ON or OFF together. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What guidance does the Yaw Bar provide during takeoff or landing?

<p>Tracking localizer during low visibility. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the command bars when a go-around is initiated in TRK/FPA mode?

<p>They revert back to FD command bars. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which knob on the FCU is responsible for altitude adjustments?

<p>ALTITUDE knob (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the FMA indicate when FD1 is selected to ON?

<p>1FD- displayed on both PFDs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated if only one FD is selected ON during normal operations?

<p>It is an abnormal condition. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What function does pressing the HDG-V/S/TRK-FPA button serve?

<p>Changes command bar symbol guidance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs if a disconnect happens during a DUAL approach?

<p>The approach capability changes to CAT 1. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the vertical command bar provide during flight?

<p>Lateral or roll guidance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What indicates the status of the AP when it is engaged?

<p>The ENGAGE indicator lights up. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Flight Management part of the FMGS primarily provide for an aircraft?

<p>Position determination and lateral navigation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In dual autopilot operations, what determines which FMGC serves as the master?

<p>The autopilot engaged for approach (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What function does the Flight Augmentation Computer provide regarding windshear?

<p>Activates a windshear warning in the flight deck (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the autopilot in the Flight Guidance part of FMGS?

<p>To automatically provide guidance for pitch, roll, and yaw (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when an autopilot is engaged during a dual mode CAT IIIB approach?

<p>AP 1 is automatically the master (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which input source is synchronized to both FMGCs for redundancy?

<p>FCU (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Fail Operational' refer to in a CAT III DUAL system?

<p>Failure below Alert Height still allows landing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What indicates which autopilot is currently engaged during flight operations?

<p>The Flight Mode Annunciator (FMA) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Flight Augmentation Part support flight control functions?

<p>Through calculations of maneuvering speed and energy states (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature does the 'Instinctive Disconnect' button provide?

<p>It allows pilots to regain manual control instantly (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of angle of attack protection in the FMGS?

<p>To prevent stall conditions during maneuvers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum altitude above ground level (AGL) for engaging an autopilot after takeoff?

<p>100' AGL (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the Flight Management part of the FMGS?

<p>Providing thrust control for descent (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does pressing the AP 1 or AP 2 pushbuttons accomplish?

<p>Engages the selected autopilot. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What color is displayed on the FMA for armed modes that are managed?

<p>Magenta (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which columns on the FMA are synchronized to provide identical displays on both PFDs?

<p>Vertical and Lateral Columns (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of pressing the A/THR pushbutton?

<p>Arms the Autothrust system. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When are special messages displayed in the FMA?

<p>In the third row of each column. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the Altitude Selector Knob is pressed?

<p>Engages selected altitude mode. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mode causes the A/THR to maintain a specific target speed?

<p>SPEED mode (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the white box surrounding an active FMA mode indicate?

<p>A temporary alert for mode change. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which thrust detent is not available when A/THR is engaged?

<p>IDLE (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What color signals that the A/THR is armed but not active?

<p>Blue (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Flight Mode Annunciator (FMA)?

<p>To provide information on armed and active flight modes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which condition do the vertical and lateral columns of the FMA combine?

<p>During approach mode. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the thrust value affected when A/THR is engaged?

<p>Thrust values change based on FMGS inputs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the thrust levers are moved to the IDLE position with A/THR ON?

<p>A/THR becomes unavailable. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

FMGCs

Two identical computers that work together to manage flight guidance and automation in the A320.

FMGS

The system that uses information from ADIRS, GPS, and radio navigation to calculate the flight path.

MCDU

The pilot's interface to the FMGS, allowing them to input long-term flight plans.

FCU

The pilot's interface to the FMGS, allowing them to make short-term adjustments to the flight path.

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Managed Guidance

The type of guidance where the FMGS manages thrust, pitch, and lateral control based on the flight plan.

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Selected Guidance

The type of guidance where the pilot directly controls the aircraft with the FCU.

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Flight Management

The part of the FMGS that calculates the best flight path based on input data.

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Flight Guidance

The part of the FMGS that actually controls the aircraft's autopilot and auto throttle.

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Selected Mode

A short-term flight mode where the pilot selects the target value, which is displayed in blue on both the window and PFD scale.

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Managed Mode

A long-term flight mode where the FMGS automatically sets the target value, displayed in white dashes and a solid white dot in the window.

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SPD/MACH Selector Knob

A knob on the FCU used to select a target speed value for the autopilot or autothrottle.

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Selected Speed Mode

The mode that controls speed using the autopilot or autothrottle, depending on the current autothrust operation.

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Managed Speed Mode

The mode that automatically adjusts speed based on the FMGS's calculations, displayed with dashes in the SPD window.

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HDG/TRK Knob

A knob on the FCU that sets heading or track targets depending on which mode is in use.

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HDG-V/S Mode

The mode where the PFD displays command bars for guidance on the lateral and vertical axes.

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TRK-FPA Mode

The mode where the PFD displays the Flight Path Vector (FPV) or BIRD, providing guidance based on the aircraft trajectory.

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Managed Lateral Mode

The mode where the FMGS guides the aircraft along the pre-programmed flight plan.

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Selected Vertical Mode

The mode where the pilot selects the target altitude.

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Managed Vertical Mode

The mode where the FMGS automatically manages the vertical climb or descent, following the pre-programmed flight plan.

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Altitude Selector Knob

A knob on the FCU that sets the target altitude for the autopilot.

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Selected V/S/FPA Mode

The mode where the pilot selects a target vertical speed (V/S) or flight path angle (FPA) for the autopilot.

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EXPED Pushbutton

A pushbutton that allows the FMGS to expedite the climb or descent towards the selected altitude.

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What is the TLA?

The Thrust Lever Angle (TLA) is the position of the thrust lever, indicated by a blue circle on the display.

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How does TLA affect engine thrust?

The TLA determines the maximum thrust the engine can produce.

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What do the green pointer and digital readout indicate on the engine display?

The green pointer and digital readout indicate the actual N1 RPM, which shows the engine speed.

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What are the A/THR states?

Autothrust (A/THR) can be either OFF, Armed, or Active.

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What is the A/THR state on the ground?

On the ground, A/THR is OFF. There is no indication of A/THR on the FCU or FMA.

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How is thrust controlled when A/THR is OFF?

When A/THR is OFF, the pilots manually control the thrust for taxiing and takeoff.

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How do you arm A/THR?

To arm A/THR, the pilots advance the thrust levers to 50% N1 RPM for both engines, then to either FLX/MCT or TOGA detent.

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What does the TOGA detent provide?

The TOGA detent provides maximum thrust available for takeoff.

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What does MAN TOGA on the FMA indicate?

MAN TOGA in white on the FMA indicates the thrust is manually controlled and set at the TOGA level.

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What does A/THR in blue on the FMA indicate?

A/THR in blue on the FMA indicates that A/THR is armed.

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What does the green A/THR pushbutton light on the FCU indicate?

The green A/THR pushbutton light on the FCU indicates that A/THR is armed.

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What should the pilot do after takeoff with A/THR armed?

After takeoff, with A/THR armed, move the thrust levers to the CL detent once you reach the THR RED ALT.

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What happens when the thrust levers are moved to CL?

Moving the thrust levers to CL activates the A/THR.

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What is the operating range of A/THR?

A/THR remains engaged between idle and the CL detent with both engines operating, and between idle and the MCT detent with one engine out.

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Where should the thrust levers be during normal flight?

Normally, the crew leaves the thrust levers in the CL position throughout the flight until the flare.

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How do you set more thrust during A/THR operation?

During A/THR operation, manually moving the levers forward of the CL detent allows manual thrust control.

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What happens during an Instinctive Disconnect?

When the AP is disconnected using the autopilot disconnect button, a single aural warning, flashing Master Warning lights, and an "AP OFF" message appear on the ECAM for a few seconds. The autopilot lights on the FCU are off, and the FMA display for the engaged APs is blank.

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What is a Normal Disconnect?

A disconnect initiated through the instinctive disconnect buttons for the Auto Thrust or AP, with self-clearing logic after disengagement. All alerts, including audible warnings, clear themselves.

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What is an ECAM Action Disconnect?

Using any other means to disconnect the autopilot, such as failures, engagement button actuation, or overriding logic. This logic appears as an ECAM action that must be cleared manually.

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What happens during a Disconnect during a DUAL approach?

The degradation of the approach capability if the disconnect occurred during a DUAL approach. This downgrade is displayed on the ECAM.

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What is a Flight Director (FD)?

A feature on each PFD that provides guidance to the pilot for monitoring the AP performance or hand flying the aircraft according to FMGS commands. It can be selected ON or OFF using a dedicated button.

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What indicates that the FD is engaged?

The FMA indicates the FD's engagement status and the PFD displays pitch and roll command bars. The FD button's green light is on.

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What happens when the FD is disengaged?

The FD button's green light goes out, the command bars disappear from the PFD, and the FD status becomes blank on the FMA. With both APs and FDs OFF, all FMA displays are blank except for the A/THR modes.

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What happens to the A/THR mode when both APs and FDs are OFF?

When both APs and FDs are OFF, the active A/THR mode automatically switches to either SPEED or MACH mode, depending on the situation.

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What indicates that only FD 1 is selected ON?

The FMA displays "1FD- " to indicate that only FD 1 is ON. The green light on the FD 1 button is lit, and the command bars are displayed on PFD 1.

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What basic modes are displayed when an FD is turned ON after all FDs and APs are OFF?

When an FD is turned ON after all FDs and APs have been turned OFF, the basic modes displayed are V/S-HDG or FPA-TRK.

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What indicates that both FDs are selected ON?

The FMA displays "1FD2" to indicate that both FDs are ON. It is recommended that both FDs are selected ON or OFF together, as operating with only one FD selected ON is considered abnormal.

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How does the FD provide guidance?

The FD uses horizontal and vertical command bars to provide guidance. The horizontal command bar moves up or down for pitch guidance, and the vertical command bar moves left or right for lateral or roll guidance.

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What replaces the roll guidance command bar during takeoff or landing rollout?

During takeoff or landing rollout, the roll guidance command bar is replaced by a Yaw Bar index, which provides guidance for tracking the localizer during low visibility conditions.

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What happens when pressing the HDG-V/S/TRK-FPA button?

Pressing the HDG-V/S/TRK-FPA button on the FCU changes the command bar guidance to the Flight Path Director/Flight Path Vector (FPD/FPV). This alters the FCU window modes from HDG to TRK and V/S to FPA.

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How does the FMA display change when the FPV is displayed?

When the FPV is displayed, the FMA modes change as indicated by temporary white boxes. The HDG target also changes to a TRK target.

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What types of flight modes does the FMA display?

The FMA displays FMS modes, which are usually longer-term actions, and FCU modes, which are shorter-term actions.

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How many columns does the FMA have?

The FMA is divided into five columns: Auto thrust, Vertical, Lateral, Approach Capability, and AP/FD/ATHR.

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How are modes displayed on the FMA?

The FMA displays the active flight mode in green, the armed mode in blue (for selected FCU modes), or magenta (for managed FMS modes), and special messages in the lowest row.

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What is the purpose of the white box on the FMA?

The FMA uses a temporary white box around the mode for 10 seconds whenever a new mode is engaged or armed.

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How is the Autopilot engaged?

Autopilot 1 or 2 is engaged by pressing the corresponding AP pushbutton.

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What autopilot is engaged for an Autoland?

The selected Autopilot is engaged for an Autoland operation (both AP1 and AP2 are used).

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How is the Autothrust engaged?

Autothrust is engaged when the A/THR pushbutton is pressed.

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When is Autothrust automatically armed?

The Autothrust system is automatically armed for takeoff when takeoff power is set.

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What are the two basic ways the A/THR can be used?

The A/THR can be used to maintain a target speed or a target thrust level.

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How does the A/THR mode change?

The A/THR mode shifts automatically between SPEED and THR depending on the active vertical flight mode.

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How does the A/THR system behave when it's OFF?

The A/THR system operates with conventional thrust lever movement when A/THR is OFF.

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How does the Thrust Lever position affect the A/THR?

The position of the Thrust Levers determines the maximum available thrust for the A/THR system.

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How does the A/THR system use the available thrust?

The Autothrust system uses the available thrust for climbs, accelerating during SPEED mode, and maintaining the desired speed.

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What are the primary functions of the Flight Management System (FMS)?

The Flight Management System (FMS) provides vital functions like position determination, navigation along a flight plan, and optimizing performance for cost, speed, and altitude.

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What does the Flight Guidance part of the FMGS do?

The Flight Guidance part of the FMGS provides automatic control for pitch, roll, yaw, and thrust based on the selected flight guidance.

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What is the role of the Flight Augmentation Computer (FAC)?

The Flight Augmentation Computer (FAC) handles calculations for the flight envelope, including minimum and maximum speeds, maneuvering speeds, and safety features.

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How do the Flight Management Guidance Computers (FMGCs) work together?

The FMGCs synchronize to compare data and ensure consistent information and outputs are provided to other systems.

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How are inputs from the MCDUs handled by the FMGCs?

Normally, the inputs from MCDU 1 are fed to FMGC 1 and then synchronized to FMGC 2, and vice versa.

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How are inputs from the FCU handled by the FMGCs?

Inputs from the Flight Control Unit (FCU) are sent to both FMGCs, allowing for redundancy and consistency.

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What is the Master FMGC responsible for?

The Master FMGC is the primary FMGC responsible for sending commands to the autopilots, flight directors, and auto thrust system.

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How is the Master FMGC determined?

With AP 1 ON, FMGC 1 is the master. With AP 2 ON, FMGC 2 is the master. In DUAL mode with both APs engaged, AP 1 is always the master.

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What is the importance of engaging the AP and FD?

Engaging the Autopilot (AP) and Flight Director (FD) is a crucial step in controlling the aircraft's automatic flight.

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How are the AP and FD typically used during a flight?

Normally, both FDs are ON throughout the flight, and an AP is typically selected ON after takeoff.

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When can the AP be engaged and disengaged?

An AP can be engaged above 100' AGL, as long as the aircraft is in the air for at least five seconds, It can remain engaged until the completion of the AUTO LAND rollout.

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Which AP is typically engaged by the Captain and the First Officer?

Typically, AP 1 is engaged when the Captain is the Pilot Flying (PF) and AP 2 is engaged when the First Officer (FO) is the PF.

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Can both APs be engaged simultaneously?

Only one AP can be engaged at a time, except during a dual autopilot Autoland approach.

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What is the first step for a CAT 3 approach?

For a CAT 3 approach, arm the APPR mode to activate the Localizer (LOC) and Glide Slope (G/S) approach guidance.

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Why are both APs engaged for a CAT 3 approach?

Engage both APs to achieve the redundancy necessary for a safe Autoland approach.

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Study Notes

A320 Auto Flight System

  • The A320 Auto flight system provides fully automatic flight management with pilot override capability
  • Automation increases safety, comfort, and reduces crew workload
  • The system utilizes two identical Flight Management Guidance Computers (FMGCs) that synchronize operations
  • Position data inputs include ADIRS, GPS, and Radio Navigation data, used to compute flight plan profiles
  • Flight deck controls include the Flight Control Unit (FCU), EFIS displays, FD Pb switches, thrust levers, and MCDUs
  • MCDU inputs are for long-term "managed" guidance, providing thrust, pitch, and lateral guidance according to the flight plan
  • FCU inputs are for short-term "selected" guidance, providing pilot direct inputs similar to conventional auto flight
  • FMGS signals operate Autopilots, Autothrust, Flight Directors, and EFIS displays, and automatically tunes navigation radios
  • FMGS comprises flight management, flight guidance, and flight augmentation
  • Flight Management determines aircraft position, navigates lateral flight plans, optimizes performance, and predicts waypoints, altitudes, and fuel requirements
  • Flight Guidance provides autopilot, autothrust, and flight director commands
  • Flight Augmentation (FAC) computes flight envelope limits (VLS, VMO, VFE, VA), windshear alerts, and angle of attack protection
  • FMGCs synchronize to maintain redundancy, with one typically acting as the master based on AP selection(s)

Autopilot and Flight Director Engagement

  • Both Flight Directors (FDs) are typically on during flight, with an Autopilot (AP) selected after takeoff.
  • AP engagement requires an AGL of 100ft and 5 seconds of flight time
  • Only one AP can engage at any one time, except during dual autopilot Autoland approaches (CAT IIIB)
  • With CAT 3 approaches, both APs are armed in the APPR, then AP2 is selected
  • CAT 3 Dual is a fail-operational automatic landing system, which allows for an automatic approach and landing to CAT IIIB minimums.
  • A CAT 3 Single system is a fail-passive automatic landing system, where the pilot assumes control after a failure.
  • An "Instinctive Disconnect" pushbutton is available on each sidestick (also on THR LVRs) to take manual control if the Auto Thrust or Auto Pilot malfunctions.
  • Disengagement using the instinctive disconnect produces aural and visual alerts, but self-clears its alarms.
  • Other disconnections trigger ECAM actions that must be cleared, especially during a dual approach.
  • If the system disconnects during a dual approach, the approach capabilities are downgraded
  • FDs provide guidance displayed on PFDs using command bars, yaw bar for low visibility, or FPV with FPD
  • Selecting both FDs on or off is recommended.

Flight Control Unit (FCU)

  • The FCU allows pilots to adjust short-term FMGS parameters.
  • Includes four knobs for speed, heading, altitude, and vertical modes
  • "Selected" modes allow pilots to input target values directly
  • "Managed" modes delegate target settings to the FMGS
  • SPD/MACH knob (selected vs managed): Rotation sets a target speed, while pushing sets a managed speed. Transitioning between SPD/MACH automatically happens during climb/descent.
  • HDG/TRK knob (selected vs managed): Rotation sets target heading/track; pushing engages managed mode.
  • ALT knob (selected vs managed): Rotation sets target altitude; pushing engages managed mode.
  • V/S/FPA knob (selected vs managed): Rotation sets target vertical speed/flight path angle; pushing engages managed mode to set V/S or FPA to zero.
  • FCU has 2 channels, either will activate.
  • Mode/target values are displayed in the window, as well as on the associated PFDs.

Flight Mode Annunciator (FMA)

  • FMA displays both "managed" (long-term) and "selected" (short-term) FMGS modes
  • FMA displays modes for speed, heading, and altitude
  • Information includes Autothrust modes in the lefthand column, AP/FD vertical modes (middle column) and approach and lateral capabilities
  • FMA status of each are displayed in the righthand column
  • The FMA synchronizes the 4th and 5th columns on both PFDs
  • Mode change alerts utilize a brief white box indicator
  • Specific messages are displayed using different colors and durations (examples: "MAN PITCH TRIM ONLY", "CHECK APP SEL")

Auto-Thrust System (A/THR)

  • A/THR handles thrust operations after takeoff (when A/THR is not engaged, the captain/first officer inputs the thrust).
  • A/THR is not available during TOGA or FLX thrust
  • A/THR utilizes Thrust Levers from idle up to climb power
  • Power is determined by thrust lever position
  • A/THR operating options include speed or thrust level adjustments according to AP/FD vertical modes and input through the Thrust Levers
  • A/THR control involves the Auto-Thrust pushbutton and thrust levers
  • On the ground, A/THR is disengaged, requiring manual thrust settings for taxi and takeoff
  • A/THR can be disconnected when manually adjusting the thrust levers
  • The correct method to disconnect the A/THR is to first match your thrust lever position based on the N1 digital reading and then press the Instinctive Disconnect button
  • Press the A/THR pushbutton to re-engage the A/THR after a disconnect.

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Test your knowledge on the A320 Auto Flight System, which combines safety and automation to enhance pilot operations. This quiz covers the functionalities of the Flight Management Guidance Computers (FMGCs), flight deck controls, and the integration of various navigation data. Prepare to explore the intricacies of flight management, guidance, and augmentation systems.

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