John – Aviation Thrust

in Airbus A320 on April 29, 2024 by John

How does the aircraft’s engine respond when a temperature lower than the Outside Air Temperature (OAT) is inputted as the flex temperature for takeoff thrust calculation?

If the crew selects a flex takeoff temperature (the assumed temperature used for thrust calculation) on the Multi-Function Control and Display Unit (MCDU) that is higher than the current Total Air Temperature (TAT), then the engine will run at the flex takeoff thrust rating. If the selected flex takeoff temperature is lower than the current…

in Airbus A320 on April 22, 2024 by John

How is aircraft position calculated in A320?

There are two FMGC (Flight Management Guidance Computers) on board. Each FMGC computes its own aircraft position (called the “FM position”). To grasp the method of position calculation in the A320, it’s crucial to first comprehend three key terms individually. Once these concepts are clear, connecting them becomes much simpler. In this article, we aim…

in Airbus A320 on April 15, 2024 by John

A320 Speed Scale in various laws | Vsw explained! Does A320 Stalls at Vsw?

In normal law speed scale displays VLS, V Alpha prot and V Alpha max speed. In alternate and direct law speed scale is same. It displays VLS and Vsw only. VLS Speed: VLS is the lowest selectable speed for the autopilot and autothrust. It’s represented by the top of an amber strip along the airspeed…

in Pilot Notes on April 8, 2024 by John

Taxiway Edge Lights and Taxiway Centerline Lights Spacing

The placement of taxiway edge lights and taxiway centerline lights is crucial for providing clear guidance to pilots while taxiing on the ground. Spacing between taxiway edge lights and taxiway centerline lights can vary depending on factors such as: the curvature of the taxiway, the speed of aircraft expected to use the taxiway, and the…

in Pilot Notes on April 1, 2024 by John

What is EPU – Estimated Position Uncertainty? A320

Estimated Position Uncertainty is a measure of the accuracy or uncertainty associated with the estimated position of an aircraft. For an Airbus A320, EPU typically refers to the uncertainty in the aircraft’s calculated position. This uncertainty can be influenced by various factors including the accuracy of the navigation sensors, environmental conditions, and the quality of…

in Pilot Notes on March 25, 2024 by John

Significance of ‘GPS PRIMARY’ | Airbus A320

“GPS PRIMARY” is displayed when Flight Management Guidance System (FMGS) prioritizes GPS as the primary navigation source. Article background: FM uses following positions to navigate in decreasing order of priority: IRS-GPS (GPIRS position) – this is the condition when GPS Primary is displayed on MCDU IRS-DME/DME (Mix IRS and Radio position) IRS-VOR/DME (Mix IRS and…

in Airbus A320 on March 18, 2024 by John

Can we start both the engines during pushback for A320?

It is common practice to start both engines of an Airbus A320 during pushback, provided that the ground handling equipment and procedures at the specific airport allow for it. Starting both engines during pushback helps to streamline the process and allows the aircraft to begin taxiing immediately after pushback is completed. However, as mentioned earlier,…

in Pilot Notes on March 10, 2024 by John

SAT OAT TAT RAT Explained! | TAT vs RAT

Static Air Temperature (SAT) and Outside Air Temperature (OAT) Static Air Temperature (SAT), also known as outside air temperature (OAT), represents the temperature of undisturbed air surrounding an aircraft. It is the temperature you would observe if you could suspend a thermometer in the air without any influence from airflow passing over it. It’s crucial…

in Airbus A320 on March 4, 2024 by John

Unexpected G/S Mode Armed – A320

Issue: As the wording suggests, the condition arises when ‘G/S’ is displayed as armed on the FMA despite not being expected. This issue occurs when the following conditions are satisfied within a timeframe of less than 1.5 seconds: AP 1+2 set to OFF FD 1+2 set to OFF A/THR set to OFF. Here, although AP/FDs…

in Airbus A320 on March 3, 2024 by John

Misbehavior of the Enhanced LOC Capture Function – A320

Issue: This problem typically occurs when the aircraft encounters certain conditions, such as an unusual position of the LOC ground antenna or when the LOC course isn’t properly aligned with the runway axis. In these situations, the aircraft may oscillate on one side of the LOC axis, potentially leading to unstable flight or difficulty in…