Emergency Descent Procedure

What is the main reason for extending the speed brakes during an emergency descent at high flight levels?

What should the flight crew do if they suspect structural damage during an emergency descent?

What is the approximate rate of descent in an emergency descent at high flight levels with speed brakes extended and IDLE thrust?

What should the flight crew do if the cabin altitude exceeds 14 000 ft?

What is the recommended procedure to initiate an emergency descent?

What is the purpose of the MORA displayed on the Navigation Display (ND)?

What should the flight crew do if they suspect a loud bang or high cabin vertical speed?

What is the recommended configuration of the autopilot and autothrottle during an emergency descent?

How long does it take to descend from FL 390 to FL 100 in an emergency descent?

What should the flight crew do with the TCAS mode selector during an emergency descent?

Emergency Descent Procedure

Initiate emergency descent if cabin altitude and rate of climb are excessive and not controllable, or for any other urgent reason.
Perform emergency descent in two steps:
- First step: Apply memory items
- Second step: Perform read-&-do procedure (ECAM or QRH)

Monitoring and Adjusting

During first step, PM monitors FMA to ensure correct descent establishment.
During second step, PF adjusts settings.
Use of AP and A/THR is highly recommended for emergency descent.

High-Altitude Descent

Extend speed brakes at high flight levels to avoid angle of attack protection activation.
Monitor VLS to avoid AP disconnection and speed brake retraction.

Descent Rate and Time

Rate of descent is approximately 7 000 ft/min with speed brake extended and IDLE thrust.
Descent from FL 390 to FL 100 takes approximately 4 min and 40 NM.

MORA Display

MORA displayed on ND is the highest MORA value within a 40 NM radius around the aircraft.

Suspecting Structural Damage

Suspect structural damage if loud bang or high cabin vertical speed is experienced.
In case of suspected structural damage:
- Set SPEED/MACH pb to SPEED to prevent speed increase or reduce speed.
- Carefully use speed brakes to avoid additional stress on aircraft structure.

Cabin Altitude Management

Press MASK MAN ON pb if cabin altitude exceeds 14 000 ft.
Press MASK MAN ON pb before cabin altitude reaches 14 000 ft if it's obvious it will exceed that altitude.

TCAS Mode Selector

TCAS mode selector must remain on TA/RA position.
Avoidance of collision has priority, even if it requires temporary interruption of descent maneuver.

Learn the steps to initiate an emergency descent in an aircraft, including applying memory items and performing the read-and-do procedure. Understand the importance of monitoring the FMA during this process.