A319/A320 Technical Notes
2004
Chris Gauci
Contents:
Aircraft General.............................................................................................. 3
Air Conditioning............................................................................................. 4
Pressurisation................................................................................................ 6
Ventilation ...................................................................................................... 7
Auto Flight...................................................................................................... 8
Electrical.......................................................................................................14
Fire Protection ............................................................................................. 16
Flight Controls ............................................................................................. 17
Fuel ............................................................................................................... 26
Hydraulics .................................................................................................... 27
Ice and Rain Protection ............................................................................... 28
Indicating/Recording System ..................................................................... 29
Landing Gear................................................................................................ 31
Lights ............................................................................................................ 35
Navigation .................................................................................................... 36
Oxygen.......................................................................................................... 38
Pneumatic..................................................................................................... 39
APU ............................................................................................................... 40
Doors ............................................................................................................ 41
Power Plant .................................................................................................. 42
Aircraft General
• Dimensions:
o Length 37.57 m
o Wingspan 34.1 m
• Unpressurised areas:
o Nose cone
o Nose gear bay
o Air conditioning compartment
o Main gear bay
o Tail cone
• During a turn the outer wingtip makes the largest circle by 3.69 m from the
nose for an A320 and 4.98 m for an A319
• G limits:
o Clean: -1g to +2.5g
o All other configurations: -0g to +2g
• Takeoff and landing elevation limits:
o -1,000’ to +9,200’
• Max crosswind for takeoff: 29kt gusting to 38kt
• Max crosswind for landing: 33kt gusting to 38kt
• Max tailwind: 10kt
• Max wind for passenger door operation: 65kt
• Max wind for cargo door operation: 40kt
• VMCG:
o Conf 1+F: 109.5kt
o Conf 2: 107.5kt
o Conf 3:107kt
• VMCA: 110kt
• Max speed with landing gear extended: 280kt
• Max speed at which landing gear can be extended: 250kt
• Max speed at which landing gear can be retracted: 220kt
• Max altitude to extend landing gear: 25,000’
• Max tyre speed: 195kt
• Max speed for windshield wipers: 230kt
• Max speed for cockpit window opening: 200kt
• Min pavement width for a turn:
o A320: 22.9m
o A319: 20.64m
Air Conditioning
2 pack flow
control valves
2 packs
Mixing unit
Cockpit /
cabin
• Temperature regulation is fine tuned by adding hot air to the air leaving the
packs
Switches
Zone
controller
Pack
controllers
Packs
Trim air
valves
• Pack:
Primary heat
exchanger
Compressor
Main heat
exchanger
Turbine
Water
separator
• Pack flow control valve receives signals from the pack controller. It is
pneumatically operated and electrically controlled. It closes automatically
in case of pack overheat, engine start, operation of fire or ditching pb
• Ram air ventilates the cockpit and cabin. Emergency ram air inlet opens
when the switch is pressed and the ditching pb is not pressed and ∆P <
1psi. The outflow valve opens 50% if ∆P < 1psi only if it is in automatic
control.
• The mixer unit is connected to the packs and cabin fans to mix the air. The
emergency ram air inlet and the low pressure ground inlet are also
connected to the mixer unit.
• The pack controller regulates the temperature according to demands from
the zone controller. It does this by modulating the ram air inlet and the
bypass valves. The ram air inlet flaps close during takeoff and landing to
avoid ingesting foreign matter.
• The system delivers high flow when in single pack operations and when the
APU is supplying air.
• When the zone controller demands cannot be met, it sends signals to the
EIU (or ECB in the case of the APU) to increase minimum idle.
• The packs provide air at the coolest selected temperature and each zone is
then optimized using the trim air valves
Failures:
• Zone Controller:
o Primary channel failure: Secondary operates as backup. Flow
and temperature regulation is not optimized. Zones are
controlled to 24°c, cockpit by pack 1 and FWD and AFT cabin by
pack 2.
o Secondary channel failure: No effect.
o Both channel failure: Pack 1 is set at 20°c and pack 2 at 10°c.
• Pack Controller:
o Primary channel failure: Regulation is not optimized and flow is
kept at previous setting.
o Secondary channel failure: No effect but ECAM signals to of
corresponding pack are lost.
o Both channel failure: Pack outlet temperature is controlled by
the anti-ice valve to between 5°c and 30°c within 6 minutes.
ECAM signals are lost.
• Air Cycle Machine failure: Temperature control is achieved using the
primary heat exchanger and the air exits through the bypass valve and the
failed ACM. Pack flow is reduced.
Pressurisation
• The system has four functions:
o GROUND: Outflow valve open.
o PREPRESSURISATION: Increase cabin pressure during takeoff
(to ∆0.1psi) to avoid surges.
o IN FLIGHT PRESSURISATION: Automatically adjusts rate and
pressure.
o DEPRESSURISATION: Releases cabin pressure after
touchdown.
• Components:
o 2 Cabin Pressure Controllers (CPC)
o 1 Outflow Valve (3 motors – 2 auto, 1 manual)
o 1 Control Panel
o 2 Safety Valves
• Modes of operation:
o Automatic: System receives data from FMGS and follows
external schedules.
o Manual: Crew uses manual motor and sets landing elevation
manually.
• In normal mode, one CPC is active and one is on standby. Each CPC has
a backup section which has its own power supply and a pressure sensor
which generates cabin pressure and altitude signals to the ECAM.
• The outflow valve is below the flotation line. It is controlled automatically to
maintain cabin pressure. In manual mode it is controlled via the knob on
the CABIN PRESS panel.
• Two safety valves prevent the cabin pressure from going too high (>8.6psi)
or too low (1psi below ambient).
• Automatic pressure control mode:
o Two identical, independent controllers. One controller operates
at one time. Automatic transfer occurs 70sec after each landing
of if a controller fails.
o The controller automatically controls the cabin rate. It limits the
cabin altitude to 8,000’. It uses the landing elevation from the
FMGC and pressure altitude from the ADIRS. If FMGC is not
available, the controller uses the baro reference from the
Captain’s ADIRS and landing elevation from the panel.
• Mode Selector pb: If switched OFF for at least 10sec, it switches the
controller when turned back to AUTO.
• Outflow valve position on ECAM page turns amber when a valve opens
more than 95% in flight.
Ventilation
• Ventilation is available for:
o Avionics,
o Batteries,
o Lavatories and galleys.
• Two electrical fans operate continuously as long as the aircraft’s electrical
system is supplied.
• Skin air inlet and outlet valves allow air to enter and exit the ventilation
system.
• Skin exchange inlet and outlet bypass valves allow air to circulate between
the avionics bay and the space under the cargo compartment floor.
• The Air Conditioning Inlet Valve allows the air conditioning circuit to supply
fresh air to the avionics bay.
• The Skin Exchange Isolation Valve connects or isolates the skin heat
exchanger
• The Avionics Equipment Ventilation Computer (AEVC) controls the
operation of all fans and valves.
• Ground operations:
o Open Circuit: When skin temperature is above the on-ground
threshold (+12°c, temperature increasing or +9°c, temperature
decreasing).
o Closed Circuit: When skin temperature is below the on-ground
threshold (+12°c, temperature increasing or +9°c, temperature
decreasing).
• Flight operations:
o Intermediate Circuit: When skin temperature is above the inflight threshold (+35°c, temperature increasing or +32°c,
temperature decreasing).
o Closed Circuit: When skin temperature is below the in-flight
threshold (+35°c, temperature increasing or +32°c, temperature
decreasing).
• When the blower switch is set to OVRD the blower fan stops.
• When the extract switch is set to OVRD the extract fan continues to run
and it is controlled directly from the switch.
• Battery ventilation: a venturi in the skin of the aircraft draws air from the
space around the batteries.
• An extraction fan draws air from the cabin through the lavatories and
galleys and exhausts it near the outflow valve. The extraction fan runs
continuously when electrical power is available.
Limitations:
• Max positive differential pressure: 8.6psi
• Max negative differential pressure: -1psi
• Do not use conditioned air simultaneously from the packs and a low
pressure ground unit.
• Do not use a high pressure ground unit when the APU is supplying bleed.
• A high pressure unit can be used for air conditioning if free from oil.
Auto Flight
• FMGS (Flight Management and Guidance System) consists of:
o 2 FAC
o 2 MCDU
o 2 FMGC
o 1 FCU
• There are two types of Guidance:
o Managed: guidance along a preplanned route,
o Selected: guidance to a selected target modified by the pilot.
• Selected guidance has priority.
• FMGC databases:
o Nav database (5 Mb),
o Airline modifiable database (AMI or FM),
o Aircraft performance database.
• The MCDU is an input and output device.
• The FCU is a short term interface.
• The FAC controls the rudder, rudder trim and yaw damper. It also
computes the speed envelope data and speed functions. The FAC
provides warning for low energy and windshear.
• The FMGC has three modes of operation:
o Dual (normal),
o Single,
o Independent.
• If no autopilot or flight director is on, the autothrust is controlled by FMGC
1.
• Flight Management performs four functions:
o Navigation,
o Flight planning,
o Prediction and optimization of performance,
o Management of displays (MCDU, ND, PFD).
• Each FMGC computes its own position (FM position) from a mix IRS
position, computed radio position or GPS position.
• Each FMGC received a position from each of three IRS and computes a
MIX IRS position. If one IRS drifts abnormally, its influence on the MIX IRS
position is reduced. If one IRS has failed, each FMGC uses the onside IRS
(or IRS 3) only.
• The GPS position is determined from:
o The onside GPIRS,
o GPIRS 3,
o Opposite GPIRS.
• The Radio Position can be computed using:
o DME/DME,
o VOR/DME,
o LOC,
o DME/DME-LOC,
o VOR/DME-LOC.
• The FM position at initialization is the mixed IRS/GPS (GPIRS) position. At
takeoff the position is updated to the runway threshold position as stored in
the database. If GPS is primary, this is inhibited.
• BIAS: Each FMGC computes a vector from the MIX IRS position to the
GPIRS or radio position. This vector is called the bias. If GPIRS is
momentarily lost, the FM position is computed by adding the MIX IRS and
the memorized bias.
• The FMGC computes an estimated position error (EPE) continuously. This
is a function of the navigation mode used by the system.
• NAV mode could be:
o IRS-GPS,
o IRS-DME/DME,
o IRS-VOR/DME,
o IRS only.
• During approach the above would be the same but LOC would also be
added.
• When the EPE is below the RNP value, the accuracy is high.
FMGS Architecture
• In Dual or Independent mode, each FMGC tunes 1 VOR, 5 DME, 1 ILS and
1 ADF automatically.
Alignment of IRS
• Normal alignment takes 10 min, fast alignment takes 30 sec.
• The ALIGN light flashes on the IRS CDU on the overhead panel if:
o Excessive motion has been detected,
o A mismatch between the last remembered position and the
entered position has been detected,
o A mismatch between latitude entered and latitude computed
from alignment,
o IRS has not received a position from the MCDU or CDU.
• Alternate predictions: These are based on a default cruise level of FL220 if
the distance to the alternate is < 200Nm or FL310 if greater, and cost index
zero.
• Return to trajectory assumptions: Predictions assume an immediate return
to planned route with a 45° intercept angle, if the angle required is > 45° it
will assume a direct routing to the next waypoint.
• Performance Factor: Mainly used in the cruise phase.
• Idle Factor: Used to adjust the descent according to actual engine idle.
(Positive factor gives a more shallow descent)
Flight Director
• Below 30’ during landing and takeoff, when a localizer signal is available,
the vertical bar is replaced by a YAW BAR.
• In SRS/GA TRACK the FD bars are automatically restored. If TRACK/FPA
is selected it automatically reverts to FD bars.
• If the autopilots are off and targets are not flown, the FDs will disengage
once speed protection becomes active.
• FD bars will automatically be removed if:
o Pitch and roll bars are automatically removed when no vertical
or lateral mode is engaged respectively.
o Both bars are removed if ROLL OUT is engaged, or if pitch
exceeds 25° up or 13° down, or if roll exceeds 45°
Autopilot
• The autopilot can be engaged after the aircraft has been airborne for at
least 5 seconds. (Limitation is 100’)
• The autopilot will disengage if:
o The aircraft reaches MDA - 50’ (or 400’ if no MDA/H selected)
on a non ILS approach,
o High speed protection is active,
o Pitch >25° or <13°, bank >45°,
o Angle of attack protection active,
o Rudder pedal deflection >10° out of trim.
• The autoland warning light flashes if RA >200’ and:
o The aircraft gets too far off the beam,
o Both autopilots fail,
o Both LOC transmitters or receivers fail,
o Both G/S transmitters or receivers fail.
• DIR TO does not work if on the LOC and below 700’.
• LOC can be armed above 400’.
• In CLB mode the guidance does not modify the speed to satisfy a
constraint, therefore it may not be met and predicted as missed.
• In OPEN CLB mode, if the altitude change is less than 1200’, it responds
with a rate of 1000 fpm.
• In managed descent, if above the profile, the aircraft will try to regain the
profile by increasing the speed. The symbol ‘√’ will indicate a calculated
profile intercept point which assumes:
o Idle thrust,
o Half speed brake,
o Economy speed + margin.
• TOO STEEP PATH message assumes half speed brake selected.
• If in EXP mode and the FCU speed knob is pulled, the system reverts to
open descent.
• ALT* and ALT CONSTR* cannot be engaged below 400’.
• Two minutes after ALT CRZ is engaged, if mach mode is operative, soft
ALT mode engages (maintains ±50’).
• In OPEN CLB, if the FDs are not followed, and the speed increases, the
FDs disengage at VMAX +4 kts.
• In OPEN DES, if the FDs are ignored and the speed decelerates to VLS –
2 kts, the FD bars disengage. If the speed brake is extended, the FDs
disengage between VLS – 2 and VLS – 19 kts.
• With high V/S, if the speed drops, the vertical speed will be automatically
reduced as the speed reaches VLS (VLS – 5 kts if VLS is the selected
speed).
• With high V/S, if the speed increases, the vertical speed will be temporarily
abandoned when speed reaches VMAX (VMO in clean of VFE + 4 kts).
• SRS engages if:
o V2 is inserted,
o Slats are extended,
o Aircraft has been on the ground for at least 30 sec.
• SRS guides:
o V2 + 10 in normal engine configuration,
o Current speed or V2, whichever is greater if an engine fails,
o Attitude protection of 18° (22.5° in case of windshear),
o Flight path angle protection, minimum V/S of 120 fpm,
o Speed protection limiting to V2 + 15 kts.
• RWY engages if:
o V2 is inserted,
o Slats are extended,
o Aircraft has been on the ground for at least 30 sec.
o The aircraft is receiving a LOC signal and the deviation <½ dot,
o The aircraft heading is within 20° of the ILS course,
o The ILS course is identical to the RWY heading of the origin
airport.
• RWY provides a yaw bar up to 30’ RA, thereafter RWY TRK if not NAV.
• APPR mode has to be armed above 400’. It cannot be armed is RA is not
available.
• Arming APPR above 5,000’ (RA operational height) CAT I will be displayed
until the aircraft descends below 5,000’.
• When LAND mode active, the LOC and G/S are locked.
• At 30’ RA the aircraft axis is aligned to the runway centerline (Align submode).
• At 700’ the speed target is memorized by the autothrust so no change can
be made and in case of failure the speed reference will not be lost.
• The autoland warning light comes on below 200’ RA in case of:
o Both autopilots off,
o Excessive deviation in LOC (¼ dot above 15’ RA) or G/S (1 dot
above 100’ RA). LOC and G/S scales flash,
o Loss of LOC signal above 15’ RA or G/S above 100’ RA,
o Difference of >15’ between RAs.
• GA engagement:
o Flap lever at least in position 1,
o Aircraft in flight,
o Aircraft has been on ground for less than 30 sec.
• In dual AP configuration, disengagement of GA mode causes AP 2 to
disengage.
• The SRS maintains the current speed or VAPP at GA, whichever is greater.
The target speed is limited to VLS + 25 kts for dual engine, or VLS + 15 kts
for single engine. When SRS disengages, the target speed becomes
green dot. Going through GA acceleration altitude does not disengage
SRS.
• FAC functions:
o Yaw function:
ƒ Yaw damping,
ƒ Rudder trim,
ƒ Rudder travel limit.
o Flight envelope function:
ƒ PFD speed scale management,
ƒ Alpha floor protection.
o Low energy warning,
o Windshear detection.
• Rudder travel limit:
• FAC 1 computes PFD 1 scale and FAC 2 computes PFD 2 scale. The FAC
computes limits, maneuvering speeds and speed trend.
• Below 14,500’ and 250 kts, the FAC computes the gross weight from the
AOA, speed , altitude, thrust and CG.
• When the aircraft is above 14,500’ or 250 kts, the gross weight is
memorized and updated with fuel consumption.
• Alpha floor is available from liftoff to 100’ RA. It comes in if the AOA is
high. Alpha floor is not available in alternate law or during an engine failure
with flaps/slats extended.
• The Low Energy Warning is available in conf 2, 3 and FULL. The warning
is inhibited if:
o TOGA is selected,
o 100’ > RA > 2,000’,
o Alpha floor or GPWS triggered,
o Alternate law or direct law,
o Both RAs fail.
• Windshear detection is available from lift-off until 1,300’ and from 1,300’ to
50’ during landing.
• Windshear detection works on the calculation of predicted energy level. If it
falls below a predetermined value it gets triggered.
• Minimum height for the use of the autopilot is 100’.
• Autoland:
o G/S angle between -2.5° and -3.15°, at an airport below 2,000’,
at or below maximum landing weight.
o With an engine out, a fail passive landing must be done in conf
FULL.
Electrical
• Each generator can supply the whole network.
• 3 phase 115/200 V, 400 Hz and 28 V DC.
• Two GCUs (Generator Control Units) control the output of the respective
generator.
• A GAPCU (Ground and Auxiliary Power Control Unit) controls the output of
the APU generator and external power.
• The blue hydraulic circuit drives the emergency generator.
• A static inverter converts DC from BAT 1 into AC if the aircraft speed is >
50 kts. and nothing but the batteries is supplying the electrical system,
irrespective of the battery pb switch position. Below 50 kts, the battery pbs
must be on AUTO.
• TRs supply the electrical circuit with DC current. The ESS TR powers the
essential DC circuit from the emergency generator.
• Two batteries are permanently connected to the hot busses.
• Monitored CBs are green.
• Unmonitored CBs are black.
• GEN 1 and 2 have priority over the APU GEN.
• External power has priority over the APU GEN when the ON button is
pushed.
• In flight, the two batteries are connected to the DC BAT BUS if they need
charging. If not, the battery charge limiter (BCL) disconnects them.
• On ground, the GND/FLT BUSSES can be supplied without powering the
whole network.
• If AC busses 1 and 2 are lost, and the aircraft speed > 100 kts, the RAT
extends automatically. This powers the emergency generator. This
generator supplies the AC ESS BUS and the DC ESS BUS via the ESS
TR.
• Below 100 kts (or if the RAT stalls) the emergency generation automatically
transfers to the batteries and static inverter, and automatically sheds the
AC SHED ESS and DC SHED ESS busses.
• In Smoke Configuration the main bus bars are shedded. Same as
emergency electrical configuration except that the fuel pumps are
connected upstream of the GEN 1 line contactor. 75% of equipment is
shed, all that is remained is supplied from the CBs on the overhead panel.
• The BATT pbs on the overhead panel controls the operation of the
corresponding Battery Charge Limiter.
• The batteries are connected to the DC BATT BUS:
o When starting the APU (limited to 3 min when emergency
generator is running),
o Battery voltage < 26.5 V immediately on ground, and after 30
min in flight,
o Loss of AC 1 and AC 2 below 100 kts.
• When disconnecting the IDG, do not hold the switch for more that 3
seconds. Do not disconnect if the engine is not windmilling (or running).
• Max current is 200 A.
• In case of a computer reset, wait 3 sec if a normal switch is used, 5 sec if a
CB is used.
• Min RAT speed is 140 kts (RAT capable of supplying the emergency
generator down to 125 kts).
Fire Protection
• The Engine and APU have a fire and overheat detection system consisting
of:
o Two identical gas detection loops (A and B) in parallel,
o A Fire Detection Unit (FDU)
• The gas detection loops consist of three sensing elements for each engine
(pylon nacelle, engine core, engine fan section) and one in the APU
compartment.
• Extinguishing:
o Engines – 2 bottles,
o APU – 1 bottle.
• The fire warning appears in case of:
o Fire signal from both loops A and B,
o Fire signal from one loop and fault from the other,
o Breaks in both loops occurring within 5 sec of each other,
o Test.
• Loop FAULT caution appears if:
o One loop is faulty,
o Both loops faulty,
o Fire detection unit fails.
• A red disk at the rear of the fuselage indicates that the APU fire
extinguisher has not been released due to bottle overpressure.
• On ground, in case of an APU fire, the APU will do an automatic shutdown
and automatically fire the extinguisher.
• A smoke detector in the air extraction duct detects smoke in the avionics
compartment. If smoke is detected for more than 5 min it can be cleared
but remains latched. A dual FCU reset on ground can de-latch it.
• One smoke detector is in each lavatory. It sends signals to an SDCU
(Smoke Detection Control Unit) which in turn sends signals to the FWC and
CIDS.
• Each lavatory has an automatic fire extinguishing system in the wastebin.
• Cargo compartments have a smoke detection system. Cavities in the
cargo hold ceiling panels contain two smoke detectors. There are two
cavities in the aft hold and one in the forward hold. The SDCU receives
signals from the detectors and transmits them to the ECAM.
• One fire extinguishing bottle is available for both cargo holds. There are
three nozzles, two in the aft compartment and one in the forward.
Flight Controls
• Flight control surfaces are electrically controlled and hydraulically activated.
• The stabilizer and rudder can be mechanically controlled.
• There are seven Flight Control Computers:
o Two ELACs
ƒ Normal elevator and stabilizer control.
ƒ Aileron control.
o Three SECs
ƒ Spoiler control.
ƒ Standby elevator and stabilizer control.
o Two FACs
ƒ Electrical rudder control.
• Also, there are two FCDC (Flight Control Data Concentrators) which
acquire data from the ELACs and the SECs and send it to the CFDS and
EIS
Pitch
• Two elevators and THS :
o Elevator max up 30°, max down 17°
o THS max up 13.5°, max down 4°
• ELAC 2 normally controls the elevators, THS is controlled by an electric
motor (1 of 3).
• In case of failure of both ELACs, elevators are controlled by SEC 1 or 2.
THS would be controlled by motor 2 or 3 in case of failure of motor 1.
• Mechanical control of the THS is available if either the green or yellow
hydraulic system is working.
• There are two servojacks on each elevator.
• The servojacks have three modes:
o Active: its position is electrically controlled.
o Damping: its position follows the surface movement.
o Centering: its position is hydraulically retained in the neutral
position.
• In normal operations, one servojack is active, the other is damping.
• If one fails, the other becomes active and the failed one automatically goes
to damping mode.
• If one elevator fails, the other has limited deflection not to overload the
tailplane.
• The THS screwjack is controlled by one of two hydraulic motors, which in
turn is controlled by one of three electrical motors or the mechanical trim
wheel.
Roll
•
•
•
•
One aileron and four spoilers (on each wing) control roll.
Maximum aileron deflection is 25°.
When flaps are extended the ailerons droop 5° down.
Maximum spoiler deflection is 35°.
• ELAC 1 normally controls the ailerons. If it fails, ELAC 2 will do its job. If
both ELACs fail, the ailerons revert to damping mode.
• SEC 3 – Spoiler 2.
• SEC 1 – Spoiler 3 and 4.
• SEC 2 – Spoiler 5.
• If a SEC fails, its spoilers are retracted.
• Each aileron has 2 servojacks with two modes: active and damping.
• Servojacks go to damping mode in the case of failure of both ELACs or
blue and green hydraulics low pressure.
• If a spoiler on one wing fails, the opposite one is deactivated.
Speedbrake
• The Speedbrake is made up of spoilers 2, 3 and 4.
• Extension is inhibited if:
o SEC 1 and SEC 3 have faults.
o Elevator (L or R) has a fault (only spoilers 3 and 4 inhibited).
o AOA protection is active.
o Flaps are in configuration FULL.
o Thrust levers are above MCT.
o Alpha Floor is active.
• If an inhibition occurs while the Speedbrake is extended, they will retract
and extend again when the inhibition is over and the lever is reset.
• On ground with the aircraft stopped, the speedbrake lever will extend
spoiler 1 for maintenance regardless of the flap setting.
• When flying faster than 315 kts or 0.75 Mach, the speedbrake retraction
rate is reduced (FULL to 0 takes 25 sec).
• Maximum speedbrake deflection in manual flight:
o 40° spoiler 3 and 4,
o 20° for spoiler 2.
• Maximum speedbrake deflection with autopilot engaged:
o 25° for spoilers 3 and 4 (reached with SPD BRK handle at the
half position)
o 12.5° for spoiler 2 (reached with SPD BRK handle at the half
position).
• Some spoilers are used as speedbrake and roll spoilers. If the maximum
deflection is reached, the spoiler in the opposite wind is retracted slightly to
create the roll effect
Ground Spoiler Control
• The ground spoilers are spoilers 1 to 5.
• Full extension:
o RTO at speed > 72kts.
o On landing, when both main landing gears have touched down
and the ground spoilers are armed and the thrust levers are at
or near idle OR reverse is selected on at least one engine (if
spoilers not armed)
• In an autoland, the ground spoilers extend fully at half speed one second
after both main landing gears touch down.
• Partial extension occurs when reverse is selected with one main wheel
strut compressed. Partial extension = 10°.
• After landing or RTO, the ground spoilers retract when they are disarmed.
• During a touch and go, the ground spoilers retract when one thrust lever is
advanced more than 20°.
• If the ground spoilers are not armed, they retract when the thrust levers are
set to idle after reverse.
• During a bounce, the spoilers remain extended.
Yaw Control
• The ELACs compute the yaw orders and send them to the FACs.
• Three independent servojacks operating in parallel actuate the rudder. The
green servo actuator normally drives all three, the yellow actuator remains
synchronized to take over if necessary.
• Rudder deflection is a function of speed. The FACs control the limiter, if
they fail, maximum deflection is available when the slats are extended.
• Two electric motors which position the artificial feel unit also trim the
rudder. Motor 1 – FAC 1, Motor 2 – FAC2 (Motor 2 remains synchronized
as backup).
• Maximum rudder trim is ±20°.
• With the autopilot engaged, the FMGS computes the rudder trim orders.
Normal Law
Pitch
• The different modes are: ground mode, flight mode and flare mode.
• The ground mode is active on the ground – direct relationship between the
sidestick and elevator deflection. THS – 0°.
• If the pitch attitude on ground exceeds 2.5°, automatic THS reset to zero
stops.
• During takeoff, when the aircraft speed on ground reaches 70 kts, elevator
pitch limit is reduced from 30° to 20°. Direct law is now active.
• When airborne, direct law blends into normal law (flight mode). The
reverse happens on touchdown.
• Flight mode is a load factor demand with autotrim and protections.
• When established in a turn, no pitch corrections are necessary up to a 33°
bank.
• Automatic pitch trim freezes in the following conditions:
o Manual trim order,
o RA < 50’ (100’ with autopilot engaged),
o Load factor < 0.5g (normal is 1g),
o Aircraft under high speed or high mach protection (except with a
fault on one elevator).
• When AOA protection is active, the THS limits are between the trim at the
point of entry into this position and 3.5° nose down.
• The same as above happens when the load factor is >1.25g or the bank
angle is > 33°.
• With the autopilot engaged, the ELACs and SECs limit what the autopilot
can order.
• The autopilot can be disconnected by pressing on the rudder pedals (10°
out of trim).
• The flare mode becomes active at 50’ RA.
• The system memorizes the attitude at 50’ and as the aircraft descends
through 30’, it reduces the attitude to 2° nose down in 8 seconds.
• The protections in normal law are:
o Load factor limitation,
o Pitch attitude protection,
o High AOA protection,
o High speed protection.
• Load factor protection:
o +2.5g to -1g in clean configuration.
o +2g to 0g in other configurations.
• Pitch attitude protection:
o 30° nose up in CONF 3 (25° at low speed).
o 25° nose up in CONF FULL (20° at low speed).
o 15° nose down.
o FD bars disappear when the pitch >25° up or > 13° down. And
they reappear between 22° up and 10° down.
• High angle of attack protection:
o When the AOA > α prot, elevator control goes into protection
mode. Ie: AOA is proportional to sidestick deflection. AOA will
never exceed α max. If the pilot releases the sidestick, the AOA
will return to α prot and stay there. This protection has priority
over all. The autopilot will disconnect at α prot + 1.
o Below 200’, AOA protection is deactivated when the sidestick
deflection is less than ½ nose up and actual α < α prot - 2°.
o At takeoff, α prot = α max for 5 sec.
o α floor is activated when α > α floor (9.5° in CONF 0, 15° in
CONF 1 and 2, 14° in CONF 3 and 13° in CONF FULL) or
sidestick deflection > 14° nose up when in AOA protection
mode.
o α floor is available from liftoff till 100’ before landing.
• High speed protection:
o Activated at or above VMO/MMO.
o When high speed protection is active, pitch trim is frozen and
positive spiral static stability is introduced to 0° bank (bank
returns to zero).
o Bank angle is reduced from 67° to 45°.
o When the speed increases above VMO nose down authority is
reduced and a nose up order is applied to recover from the
condition.
o The autopilot disconnects.
o High speed protection is deactivated when the speed reduces to
below VMO/MMO.
o High speed protection symbol: 2 green bars at VMO + 6 kts.
o ECAM displays O/SPEED at VMO + 4 kts and MMO + 0.006.
• The low energy warning is computed by the FACs (see Autoflight).
Lateral Control
• On ground, the sidestick to control surface relationship is direct.
• In flight, ailerons, spoilers and rudder are combined. Also, bank angle is
limited, turn coordination and dutch roll damping is available.
• The roll rate is proportional to sidestick deflection, maximum 15°/sec.
• Flare mode is the same as flight mode.
• Positive spiral static stability up to 33° bank. The maximum bank is 67° (at
the green ‘=’ sign).
• When AOA protection is active, the maximum bank angle is 45° and
positive spiral static stability at bank 0°.
• With bank angle protection active, autotrim is inoperative.
• The autopilot disconnects with bank angle > 45°. The FD bars disappear
and reappear when the bank angle is <40°.
Sideslip Target
• If one engine fails, the FACs modify the sideslip to a β target. Flying at the
β target with give the best climb performance.
• In takeoff configuration (1, 2, 3), when the FACs detect asymmetric thrust
(by 35%) and at least one engine at > 80% N1, the β target becomes
active.
Reconfiguration Control Laws
• Depending on the failures, there are three configurations:
o Alternate law,
ƒ with protections,
ƒ without protections.
o Direct law.
o Mechanical Backup.
Alternate Law with Protections
Pitch
• Ground mode is active 5 sec after touchdown (Identical to ground mode in
normal law).
• In flight, the pitch mode follows load factor demand as in normal law, but
with less protections.
• Flare mode is active on selection of the landing gear to DOWN position –
direct stick to control surface relationship (Direct law).
Lateral Control
• Roll is in direct law.
• Only yaw damping is available. The damper is limited to ±5°.
Protections (Reduced)
•
•
•
•
Load factor limitation in the same as in normal operation.
Pitch attitude protection is not available.
Low speed stability replaces AOA protection.
Low speed stability is available from 5 to 10 knots above stall warning
speed. A nose down signal is introduced and bank angle compensation to
maintain a constant angle of attack. STALL aural warning is activated
before stall.
• α floor is inoperative.
Alternate Law Without Protections
• This is the same as with protections except that the only protection
available is the load factor limitation.
Direct Law
Pitch
•
•
•
•
•
Direct stick to elevator relationship.
No autotrim available, USE MAN PITCH TRIM message is displayed.
No protections.
No α floor.
Overspeed and stall warnings are available.
Lateral Control
• Roll is in direct law – direct stick to control surface relationship. Maximum
roll rate is 30° per second.
• In order to limit the roll rate, only spoilers 4 and 5 are used. If spoiler 4 is
inoperative, 3 will be used. If the ailerons have failed, all the roll spoilers
become active.
• Yaw is by mechanical control. Yaw damping and coordination is lost.
Abnormal Attitude Laws
• Abnormal attitude law becomes active when:
o Pitch > 50° up or 30° down.
o Bank > 125°.
o AOA > 30° or < -10° (-15° for A319).
o Speed > 440 kts 0r < 60 kts.
o Mach > 0.91 or < 0.1.
• This law is alternate law without protections.
• On recovery:
o Pitch is in alternate law without protections,
o Roll is in direct law,
o Yaw is in alternate law.
• On selection of the landing gear down here is no reversion to direct law.
Mechanical Backup
• Mechanical backup happens in the case of a complete loss of electrical
power.
• Pitch is controlled manually using the THS.
• Lateral control is through the rudders.
Controls and Indications
• Pressing the rudder reset button resets the rudder trim at 1.5° per second.
• The position indicator displays 20° left or right.
• After nosewheel touchdown, whet the pitch < 2.5° for 5 seconds or more,
the THS is automatically reset to 0°.
• The pushbutton on the sidestick has to be pressed for 40 seconds to latch
the priority.
• In priority, a red light appears in front of the pilot whose stick is deactivated.
A green light appears in front of the other pilot only if the deactivated stick
is moved.
• One stick deactivated gives a takeoff config warning.
• A FAULT light on the ELAC switch comes on during an ELAC power on
test (8 seconds).
• On ground, after the first engine start, a white sidestick position indicator
(╬) appears and then disappears once in flight mode.
• Below is the rudder indication on the ECAM page:
o A: Rudder position: Normally green but becomes amber if one
hydraulic level is low.
o B: Rudder Travel Limiter: Indicates the high-speed position.
o C: Rudder Trim position: It is normally in blue. It becomes
amber, if the rudder trim reset fails.
• If the speed brakes are extended from the first engine start to 1,500’,
SPEED BRK appears flashing in amber. It will also appear from 1,500’ to
touchdown if one engine is above idle and the speed brake is selected for
more that 50 sec.
Flaps and Slats
• There are two flap surfaces and five slat surfaces.
• There are two Slat and Flap Control Computers (SFCC), each has one flap
channel and one lat channel.
• Hydraulic motors operate the slats and flaps. A green and a blue motor for
the slats and a yellow and green motor for the flaps.
• Pressure OFF Brakes (POB) lock the transmission when the surfaces have
reached their final position or in the case of hydraulic power failure.
• An Asymmetry Position Pick-off Unit (APPU) measures the asymmetry
between the left and right sides.
• A flap disconnect detection system prevents flap operation in the case of
separation.
• Wingtip Brakes (WTB) activate in case of asymmetry. They cannot be
release in flight.
• If flap WTB are on, the slats are still operable and vice versa.
• When CONF 1+F is selected and the speed increases to > 210 kts, the
flaps automatically retract.
• Alpha/Speed Lock Function (Slats):
o This function inhibits slat retraction at high AOA and low speed.
o If α > 8.6° or the speed < 148 kts, retraction from 1 to 0 is
inhibited. This inhibition is removed when α < 7.6° or the speed
> 154 kts.
o The alpha/speed lock function is not active when α > 8.6° or the
speed < 148 kts after the flap lever is selected to 0 and on the
ground when the speed < 60 kts.
• The slat/flap angle according to lever position is as follows:
Position
0
1
(+F)
2
3
FULL
Slats
0°
18°
18°
22°
22°
27°
Flaps
0°
0°
10°
15°
20°
35°
Limitations
• Maximum altitude for slats or slats and flaps extension is 20,000’.
Fuel
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fuel is stored in the outer wing area for flutter relief and wing bending.
Fuel is used for IDG cooling.
Fuel can expand up to 2% without overflowing.
Max fuel is approximately 18,728 kg.
The system contains six tank pumps. In normal operation, each engine is
supplied by one pump in the centre tank or two in its wing tank.
Pressure sequence valves ensure that the centre tank pumps deliver
preferentially.
Transfer valves permit fuel to transfer from the outer tank to the inner tank.
Suction valves allow the engines to be suction fed if the pumps are off.
The centre tank doesn’t have any so the fuel would be unusable if the
pumps are inoperative.
Fuel feed sequence: Centre tank, inner tanks (down to 750 kg) and then
the outer tanks. Each centre tank pump stops until approximately 500 kg of
its associated inner tank fuel has been used.
The transfer valves open when the inner tank fuel level reaches about 750
kg. When they open they will be latched open and will reset on the next
refueling operation.
A special pump supplies the APU fuel for startup if the pressure is low.
Some fuel supplied to each engine is used for IDG cooling, it is then routed
to the outer tank. If it is full, it will overflow into the inner tank through a spill
pipe.
An FQI (Fuel Quantity Indicator) system controls the automatic refueling
and transmits fuel mass, quantity and temperature to the ECAM.
The FQI has 2 channels. Channel 2 becomes active if channel 1 fails.
The FLSCU (Fuel Level Sensing Control Unit) generates fuel level and fuel
temperature signals.
When the centre tank pumps are in AUTO, they run for two minutes after
engine start, they run before or after engine start if the slats are retracted,
they stop automatically 5 min after centre tank low level is reached.
On the refuel control panel, if the BATT POWER toggle switch is
momentarily set to ON, the HOT BUS 1 supplies the FQI for tem minutes if
no fuel operation is selected of till the end of the fuel operation. On NORM,
the FQI is not supplied by the batteries.
Automatic refueling starts from the outer tanks. If the total fuel preset
exceeds the wing tank capacity, the centre tank is refueled simultaneously.
Approximate fuelling times:
o 17 min for wing wing tanks,
o 20 min for all tanks.
When L(R) TK PUMPS 1(2) pbs are in the ON position, the pumps run but
only deliver fuel if the centre tank pumps delivery pressure drops below a
threshold.
Hydraulics
• Normal operating pressure is 3,000 psi ± 200 psi (2,500 psi when powered
by the RAT).
• The green system pump is powered by engine 1.
• The yellow system pump is powered by engine 2 or by an electrically or
using a hand pump to get pressure for cargo door operation.
• The blue system pump is powered electrically or by the RAT in emergency.
• The PTU operates when a difference of 500 psi is detected between the
green and yellow system.
• The RAT deploys automatically if AC busses 1 and 2 are lost or manually
through a pb on the overhead panel.
• System accumulators maintain constant pressure.
• Priority valves shut off hydraulic supply to heavy users if the hydraulic level
goes too low.
• HP bleed from engine 1 pressurizes the hydraulic reservoirs. If the
pressure is too low it takes from the crossbleed duct.
• ENG 1(2) PUMP pb FAULT light comes on if reservoir level is low,
reservoir overheats, reservoir air pressure is low or pump pressure is low.
• The blue electrical pump works after the first engine start and in flight.
• The yellow electrical pump works if the cargo door lever is set to OPEN or
CLOSE. All yellow system functions are inhibited except alternate braking
and engine 2 reverser.
• The PTU is inhibited during the first engine start and is tested during the
second engine start. The PTU is inhibited for 40 sec after cargo door
operation.
• On the ECAM HYD page, the system label is normally white but turns
amber when the system pressure falls below 1,450 psi.
Ice and Rain Protection
• Wing anti-ice:
o In flight: the three outboard slats (3, 4, 5) are heated by hot air
from the pneumatic system,
o On ground: putting the wing anti-ice switch to ON performs a 30
sec test sequence.
o If a leak is detected, the system automatically closes the
respective valve.
o With no electrical power, the valve closes.
• Engine anti-ice:
o When there is no pneumatic pressure (engine is off) the valves
close.
o When there is no electrical power, the valves open.
• Window heating:
o Two independent window heating computers (WHC), one on
each side, control the window heating.
o Heating comes on automatically when at least one engine is
running or manually through the pb.
o Windshield heating operates at low power on ground, and at
normal power in flight.
o Windows have only one level of heating.
• Probes heating:
o Three independent Probe Heat Computers (PHC) control the
heating of the captain’s probes, the F/O probes and the STBY
probes.
o Probes are heated automatically when one engine is running or
manually through the pb.
o On ground, the TAT probes are not heated, pitot heating
operates at low level.
• Rain repellent:
o After about 30 sec, the window is covered in spray.
o It is inhibited with the aircraft on the ground and engines
stopped.
o It is to be used in medium/heavy rain.
• Icing conditions exist when the TAT is 10ºC or less and visibility is one mile
or less.
• Engine anti-ice must be ON in icing conditions in climb and cruise when the
SAT > -40 ºC. During descent, it should be ON even if the SAT < -40 ºC.
• Extended flight in icing conditions with slats extended should be avoided.
• Wing anti-ice can be used both to prevent ice formation and to remove ice
accumulation.
• After landing in heavy rain, EXTRACT should be switched to OVRD, after
takeoff, EXTRACT should be switched to AUTO.
• During taxi on contaminated runways, TAT FAULT may be triggered,
ignore it.
Indicating/Recording System
• Three identical Display Management Computers (DMC) acquire data from
different sensors and send it to the DUs.
• Each DMC has two channels:
o ECAM Channel,
o EFIS Channel.
• Each DMS can simultaneously drive one ND, one PFD and one ECAM.
• Two System Data Acquisition Concentrators (SDACs) acquire data and
generate signals. Some signals go to the DMCs, others to the FWCs.
• Two Flight Warning Computers (FWC) generate alert messages, memos,
aural alerts and voice messages. They get data directly from the aircraft
systems to generate red warnings and from the SDACs to generate amber
warnings. The FWCs also generate RA callouts, DH callouts, landing
distance and speed increments.
• In normal operations, DMC 1 drives the Captain’s PFD, the Captain’s ND
and the ECAM DUs. DMC 2 drives the First Officer’s PFD and the First
Officer’s ND. DMC 3 is on standby, ready to drive any DU.
• Failure of the upper ECAM DU will trigger the E/WD page to automatically
replace the system/status page.
• The system/status page can be displayed either by the transfer switch or by
pressing the system button for a maximum of 3 minutes.
• If a PFDU fails the ND will automatically display the PFD. The ND can be
viewed by pressing the transfer switch.
• ECAM colour code:
o RED – immediate action,
o AMBER – awareness; not immediate action,
o GREEN – normal,
o WHITE – remarks,
o BLUE – actions to be carried out/ limitations,
o MAGENTA – particular messages for particular situations.
• Warning classification:
o Level 3 – Red,
o Level 2 – Amber (single chime),
o Level 1 – Amber (no chime),
o Information – Advisory – System monitoring,
Memo – Information.
• Failures:
o Independent – isolated system,
o Primary – failure that affects another system,
o Secondary – result of a primary.
• The pilot can cancel any aural warning by pressing the EMERG CANC
pushbutton or Master Warning except for overspeed or Landing Gear not
down.
• Primary failure example: ELEC DC BUS 2 FAULT
• Secondary failure example: *BRAKES
• The Takeoff Memo appears 2 minutes after the second engine start or
when the T.O. CONFIG pb is pressed (provided at least one engine is
running). It disappears at power application.
• If an advisory is triggered and the ECAM is in single display configuration,
an ADV message appears and the system page button flashes.
• STS flashes on engine shutdown if there are messages in the
MAINTENANCE part of the status.
• G-Load in amber appears if g is less than 0.7 or greater than 1.4.
• UTC time is synchronized with the cockpit clock.
• If the ECAM control panel fails, the CLR, RCL, STS, EMER CANC and ALL
push buttons remain operative as they are directly wired to the FWCs and
DMCs.
PFD
• Side stick order (white) is displayed after the first engine start.
• The Ground Roll Guidance Bar is displayed on the ground or below 30’ RA
if a LOC signal is available.
• Flight control protection symbols: 67º bank, 15º nose down and 30º nose
up.
• Sideslip index turns into a ß target (if an engine failure is detected) when in
CONF 1, 2 or 3 and any engine N1 > 80% and the difference between N1
is ≥ 35%
• Speed trend shows the projected aircraft speed in 10 seconds.
• Vertical deviation indication shows ±500’.
• Barometric reference flashes if no transition altitude and the aircraft is
below 2,500’.
• Vertical speed indication becomes amber if the vertical speed is:
o >6,000 fpm,
o >2,000 fpm during descent when 1000’ < RA < 2500’
o >1,200 fpm during descent when RA < 1,000’
• Heading is TRUE when latitude is >73ºN or <60ºS.
• One dot on the localizer scale is ±0.8º and ±0.4º on the glideslope scale.
• CHECK ATT denotes a difference of at least 5º between the attitude
information on both PFDs.
• CHECK ALT is displayed if the altitude indication differs by 250’ on QNH or
500’ on STD.
• CHECK HDG is displayed if a difference of 5º or more is detected in the
heading.
• WINDSHEAR is displayed if windshear is detected by the FAC. Detection
is available with slats/flaps extended at takeoff from 5 sec after liftoff to
1,300‘ RA and at landing from 1,300’ RA to 50’ RA.
ND
• In case of a ventilation system failure, the NDs do not display the weather
radar.
• The analogue signal of the wind indication (arrow) is with respect to
magnetic north, while the digital signal is with respect to true north.
• LOC scale is ±0.8º (0.2º per dot) and the VOR scale is ±10º (5º per dot).
• EGPWS colour codes are displayed for current altitude if at level flight. If
descending at more than 1,000 fpm, it shows the next 30 sec.
Landing Gear
Nose Wheel Steering
• Nose wheel steering limits:
o Using pedals: 6º till 40 kts, reducing to zero at 130 kts.
o Using hand wheels: 75º till 20 kts, reducing to zero at 80 kts.
• The steering system receives hydraulic pressure if A/SKID & N/W STRG
switch is ON and one engine is running and the aircraft is on the ground.
• When the NWS is deactivated using the pin, the nose wheel can turn up to
95º in either direction.
• After takeoff, the nose wheel is centered automatically.
• NW STRG DISC is displayed in green when the pin is inserted, in amber
with one engine running.
• The green (yellow for 2189 and later aircraft) hydraulic system supplies
pressure to an actuating cylinder to control the nose wheel steering via the
BSCU.
• The BSCU gets orders from the Captain’s and F/O’s handwheels, rudder
pedals and autopilot.
Landing Gear – General
• Gears and doors are electrically controlled and hydraulically operated.
• The doors are mechanically linked to the gears. All doors open during
extension and retraction.
• Two LGCIUs control the sequencing of the gears and doors electrically.
Operation is switched over to the other LGCIU after a retraction cycle.
• The green hydraulic system operates the gears and the doors. Above 260
kts with the landing gear in the UP position, a safety valve shuts off the
hydraulic supply to the landing gear system.
• During emergency extension, the hydraulic system is automatically shut off
to the landing gear as soon as the hand crank is turned. The landing gear
doors remain open.
• The LGCIUs receive data from gear doors, shocks and locks. In case of
failure the other LGCIU takes over the gear operation. Some users will see
wrong information if the they are getting it from the failed LGCIU.
• Sensors in the cargo doors and flap disconnect proximity switches send
signals to the LGCIUs. In the case of flaps, the signals are sent to the
SFCCs. Failures in the SFCCs are not monitored by the LGCIUs.
• The landing gear indication panel gets signals from LGCIU 1 as long as it is
electrically powered.
• The red arrow next to the landing gear lever lights up if the gear is not
down and locked and the aircraft is in landing configuration.
• A locking mechanism locks the lever in the down position if one of the main
shocks is compressed or the nose wheel is not centered.
Brakes and Antiskid
• The normal system uses the green hydraulic system, the alternate uses the
yellow system.
• All braking functions are controlled by a dual channel BSCU.
• Fusible plugs prevent tyres from bursting in case of high temperature.
• Antiskid and autobrake work through the brake system.
• Antiskid deactivates when the ground speed is less then 20 kts. The speed
of each main wheel is compared to that of the aircraft and when the wheel
speed drops to below 0.87 times the reference speed, the system releases
the brake slightly.
• The references speed is determined from the ADIRUs. If they are failed,
the reference speed equals the highest of each wheel. In this case
deceleration is limited to 1.7 ms-2.
Autobrake
• The purpose of autobrake is to reduce the braking distance in the case of
an RTO and to maintain a selected deceleration rate during landing.
• The system arms if the button is pressed, green hydraulic pressure is
available, the antiskid system has electrical power, there is no failure in the
braking system and one ADIRU is functioning.
• MAX autobrake cannot be armed in flight.
• The system activates if:
o Ground spoilers extend (for LO and MED),
o Ground spoilers extend and the aircraft speed is greater than 40
kts (MAX),
ƒ Note: spoilers extend at >72 kts.
• Two SECs must be operating for autobrake to activate.
• The system disarms when:
o Pb is pressed, or
o One or more arming condition is lost, or
o Enough deflection on a brake pedal is pressed, or
o After takeoff or touch and go.
• There are four modes of operation:
o Normal braking,
o Alternate braking with antiskid,
o Alternate braking without antiskid,
o Parking brake.
• Normal braking:
o Manually or automatically. Automatically on the ground or in the
air when the landing gear lever is selected UP. In the latter
there is no brake pressure indication.
• Alternate braking with antiskid:
o Autobrake is inoperative. Braking inputs from the pedals are
sent to the ABCU which then energizes the alternate braking
selector valve to pressurize the yellow hydraulic circuit. Also, it
electrically controls the alternate servo valve to obtain correct
pressure. Antiskid is controlled by the BSCU. Brake pressure is
indicated on the triple indicator.
• Alternate braking without antiskid:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
o Autobrake is inoperative. Same as above. Brake pressure is
automatically limited to 1,000 psi by the ABCU. Accumulators
give up to 7 brake applications.
Parking brake:
o The brakes work with the yellow system via the parking brake
control valve, which opens allowing full pressure on the main
wheels. An accumulator maintains brake pressure for at least
12 hrs.
MAX autobrake applies full braking as soon as spoilers are deployed.
MED autobrake applies braking 2 seconds after spoiler deployment to
decelerate at 3 ms-2.
LO autobrake applies braking 4 seconds after spoiler deployment to
decelerate at 1.7 ms-2.
DECEL light illuminates when deceleration is 80% of the selected. On
slippery runways it might not be continuously on since the antiskid would
be working.
The blue ON light indicates that the autobrake is on.
Electrical supply:
o LGCIUs – DC FLT/GND (DC ESS in emergency),
o BSCU CH1 – AC1 and DC1,
o BSCU CH2 – AC2 and DC2,
o ABCU – DC ESS and HOT BATT BUS,
o PARK BRK – DC GND/FLT (HOT1 in emergency).
Limitations
• Do not set N1 above 75% on both engines with PARK BRK ON.
• If tyre damage suspected, a tyre inspection should be carried out.
• If one tyre is deflated on one or more gears (max 3 tyres), max speed is 7
kts when turning.
• If two tyres are deflated on the same main gear, max speed is 3 kts and the
steering angle should be limited to 30 degrees.
Supplementary Procedures
• The BSCU can be reset on the ground (with the park brake ON) either by
resetting A/SKID & N/W STRG switch or by the cbs if the switch was
unsuccessful.
• In flight it should not be done not to reset a possible real tachometer failure.
• Maintenance action is due if:
o The temperature difference between two brakes on the same
gears >150º and the temperature of one is ≥600º.
o The temperature difference between two brakes on the same
gear is >150º and the temperature of one is ≤60º.
o The difference between the average of the LHS and RHS
brakes is >200º.
o A fuse plug has melted.
o One brake temperature is >900º.
• If taxiing with nosewheel offset:
NWS Offset
Offset <= 0.5°
0.5° < Offset <= 1.5°
Offset > 1.5°
Trim <= 3°
3° < Trim <= 8.8°
Trim > 8.8°
YES
YES
NO
No
operational
limitation
Apply the following procedure :
Immediate
maintenance
action is due
Rudder trim
to taxi straight
Dispatch
Procedures
Autoland :
-MAX X WIND
10KT
Lights
• Logo lights illuminate if the landing gear strut is compressed or if the slats
are extended.
• The lights attached to the nose wheel extinguish when the wheel is
retracted.
• The exit markers of the emergency escape path marking system are
powered by internal batteries for at least 12 minutes.
• The DC SHED ESS BUS charges the internal batteries if the EMER LT
selector is not ON.
• If the cabin altitude goes above 11,300’ (±350’) the cabin illuminates and
the FASTEN SEAT BELTS and NO SMOKING signs illuminate.
Navigation
• 3 ADIRUS → ADR (3)
→ IR (3) → GPS (2)
• ADIRU 1 is supplied by the captain’s probes.
• ADIRU 2 is supplied by the F/O’s probes.
• ADIRU 3 is supplied by the standby probes and captain’s TAT.
• On ground, if at least one ADIRU is supplied by the batteries, a horn
sounds.
GPS
• An MMR (Multi Modular Receiver) contains the GPS and processes the
data to transfer to the ADIRUs.
• In normal operations, GPS 1 supplies ADIRU 1 and 3, while GPS 2
supplies ADIRU 2.
• Four satellites are required. It then computes an altitude bias and keeps it
frozen if satellite reception reduces to three.
Compass
• An APU start may disturb the standby compass reading.
ISIS
• LOC deviation bar shows the wrong indication if doing a back course.
RAD NAV
• Two ILS receivers integrated in the MMRs.
• PFD 1 and ND 2 display ILS 1 information.
• PFD 2 and ND 1 display ILS 2 information.
Radio Altimeter
• Two RAs:
o PFD 1 shows RA 1 reading,
o PFD 2 shows RA 2 reading.
• The FWC generates the callouts.
• ‘RETARD’ is announced at 20’ with no autothrust or at 10’ with autothrust
active and one autopilot in LAND mode.
Weather Radar
• The predictive windshear antenna scans below 2,300’ and the scan is
displayed on the ND below 1,500’.
• The predictive windshear range is 5 Nm. At takeoff, alerts are inhibited
above 100 kts up to 50’
• The predictive windshear system needs ATC to be on the ON, AUTO or the
XPDR position to operate. PWS switch must be ON, Wx switch may be
OFF.
GPWS
• The GPWS generates aural and visual warnings when RA is between 30’
and 2,450’.
EGPWS
• The EGPWS has a world database. It obtains the position information from
FMS 1. A caution gives 60 sec , while a warning gives 30 sec.
• Height data is taken from the Captain’s baro reference and there is no
protection against baro errors.
• TAD (Terrain Awareness and Display) computes a caution and warning
envelope in front of the aircraft.
• TCF (Terrain Clearance Floor) warns of premature descent, regardless of
the aircraft configuration. Airports and runways must be in the database.
• Terrain display sweeps from centre outwards (to differentiate between Wx
display).
TCAS
• Proximate traffic is one which is closer than 6 Nm and ± 1,200’.
• In the case of a TA, the estimated time to reach CPA (Closest Point of
Approach) is 40 sec.
• In the case of an RA the time is 25 sec.
Supplementary Procedures
• Radio stations must be manually tuned if the frequency has been entered
into the MCDU manually.
• Wx radar calculation:
o ∆h (feet) ≈ d (Nm) x tilt (degrees) x 100, where
ƒ ∆h = difference in height between the aircraft and
thunderstorm,
ƒ d = distance to the thunderstorm.
• TCAS generates a:
o Corrective advisory,
o Preventive advisory,
o Modified corrective advisory.
Oxygen
• The cockpit oxygen masks supply overpressure if the cabin altitude
exceeds 30,000’.
• Above a cabin altitude of 35,000’, the donning mask supplies 100%
oxygen.
• The OXY pressure indication on ECAM is:
o Green when normal,
o Pulses green when the pressure < 600 psi,
o Amber when the pressure < 300 psi,
o Half amber boxed when the pressure < 1,000 psi.
• The smoke hood supplies oxygen for 15 minutes.
Pneumatic
• Two Bleed Management Computers (BMC) are available. If one fails, the
other one will take over.
• The BMC selects the compressor stage to use as a bleed source. It also
regulates the temperature using a precooler.
• When the crew select the APU bleed valve to ON, the APU supplies the
pneumatic system if the APU speed is above 95%. This opens the
crossbleed valve and closes the engine bleed automatically.
• The crossbleed valve has two motors, one for auto mode and one for
manual. In AUTO, the valve opens automatically when the APU bleed is
selected ON.
• Leak detection loops detect hot air leaks in the pylon, APU and wings. The
loops in the wings are double.
• When a leak is detected, the crossbleed valve closes (except during engine
start), the related bleed valves close and a fault is triggered.
• BMC 1 detects from APU loop, loop A and engine 1 pylon.
• BMC 2 detects from loop B and engine 2 pylon.
• In case of a BMC failure, the other one takes over but the associated fault
lights are not triggered on the system panel and the associated bleed valve
does not automatically close.
APU
• The Electronic Control Box (ECB) is a full authority controller for the APU.
• The left fuel feed line supplies the APU. If pressure is not sufficient (pumps
off), an APU fuel pump starts automatically.
• In the case of an APU fire on the ground, the APU shuts down
automatically.
• Max EGT during start is 982C
• Max EGT when running is 700ºC – 742ºC or 682º for 5 seconds.
• LOW OIL LEVEL is displayed when the ECB detects it when the aircraft is
on the ground and the APU is not running. Do not start the APU if this
ECAM advisory is displayed. (10 hours of operation is available.)
• In flight, when the aircraft is in electrical emergency configuration, APU
start is inhibited for 45 seconds (to allow emergency generator coupling).
• Start attempts: max 3 cycles and then a 60 minute break.
• APU battery start limit (emergency configuration) 25,000’.
• APU start is not available in flight on batteries only.
• Max 20,000’ for an engine start on the APU.
• Max 20,000’ for operation of one pack on the APU.
Max 15,000’ for operation of both packs on the APU.
Doors
• Available doors are:
o Four passenger doors,
o Four emergency exits (two for the A319),
o Cockpit emergency exits (windows),
o Two (three) cargo compartment doors,
o Four avionic compartment doors.
• In the passenger doors, two lights are situated in a small round window.
The lights indicate SLIDE ARMED and CABIN PRESSURE.
• The cockpit windows can only be opened from the inside.
• The bulk cargo door can be opened from the inside and from the outside. It
is operated manually and opens inwards.
Power Plant
• Engine components: FAN – LP COMPRESSOR (4 stages) – HP
COMPRESSOR (9 stages) – HP TURBINE (1 stage) – LP TURBINE (4
stages)
• The FADEC has two channels (the second is a backup). It has an internal
alternator for power.
• The FADEC is self powered above 15% N2. The FADEC remains powered
5 min after initial aircraft energization; as soon as the engine mode selector
is set to IGN/START, and up to 5 min after the master switch is turned off.
• There is no reverse idle detent.
• The FADEC computes the thrust rating limit.
• The HP compressor shaft drives the HP fuel pump assembly. Fuel flows
through the LP pump, heat exchanger (fuel/oil) and then the HP pump. It
then flows through a servo fuel heater and then the valves of the HMU.
• Fuel from the IDG cooling heat exchanger returns to the outer wing tank.
• The overspeed governor limits N2 by opening the bypass valve. The
bypass valve also maintains a constant pressure drop across the FMV.
• Different types of idle:
o Modulated idle: regulated according to bleed demand. This is
selected on ground and in flight with flaps retracted.
o Approach idle: according to aircraft altitude, regardless of bleed
demand. Selected in flight when flaps are extended.
o Reverse idle: on ground when the thrust levers are in the REV
IDLE position.
• Some of the fuel flowing out of the HMU goes to cool the IDG oil. It then
returns to the fuel tank.
• Rotor Active Clearance Control (RACC), HP Turbine Clearance Control
(HPTCC) and LP Turbine Clearance Control (LPTCC) maintain constant
clearance between the respective blades and the stator case. The
corresponding valves take hot air from the compressor section.
• The reverser has four blocker doors on each engine. Green hydraulics
control the doors for engine 1 and yellow hydraulics control engine 2.
• All blocker doors move independently. They activate in 2 seconds (max).
The FADEC controls and monitors the thrust reverser system.
• Reverser deployment requires:
o One FADEC channel operating,
o Right and left landing gear struts compressed,
o TLA reverse signal from one SEC.
• If an engine is running and reverse is not selected, the FADEC will
command AUTO RESTOW if at least one door is unstowed.
• The FADEC will automatically select idle if reverse is not selected and:
o The four doors are detected unstowed,
o At least one door is detected unstowed and hydraulic pressure
is detected in the HCU,
o The door position is indefinite and pressure is detected in the
HCU.
• TLA signals go to the SECs which in turn give signals to the hydraulic
shutoff valve of the reverse thrust system.
• Each engine has two identical independent ignition circuits: FADEC
channel A and channel B (one from AC ESS and one from AC norm).
• On ground, only one igniter fires for start. The sequence is as follows:
o Channel A, Igniter A,
o Channel B, Igniter A,
o Channel A, Igniter B,
o Channel B, Igniter B.
• During a manual start or an inflight start, both igniters start firing when the
master switch is switches to ON.
• During start the FADEC controls the start valve, the igniters and the fuel HP
valves.
• During an automatic start, the FADEC detects a hot start, hung start, stall
and no light up.
• For an inflight start the FADEC decides if it needs starter assistance.
• During start, turning on the master switch opens the LP fuel valve. Ignition
starts immediately in flight and at 16% N2 on ground. The HP fuel valve
opens at 22% N2 on ground and 15% N2 in flight. The start valve closes at
50% N2.
• During a manual start, the FADEC makes a passive survey of the engine.
The FADEC has no authority to abort the start in flight and on ground
except if the EGT exceeds the start limit before 50% N2.
• Crank procedure:
o Engine mode selector to crank,
o Man start switch ON.
• The fault light on the pedestal below the master switch comes on if there is
an automatic start abort or a disagreement between the HP fuel valve
position and the commanded position.
Limitations
• EGT:
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o Takeoff and go around – 950ºC
o MCT – 915ºC
o Start – 725ºC
Max oil temperature – 140ºC (transient 155ºC)
Min oil temperature for start – -40ºC
Min oil temperature at takeoff – -10ºC
Starter limit:
o Four consecutive cycles (each max 2 min),
o Time between start attempts is 20 sec,
o Cooling period after four attempts is 15 min.
No starter engagement with N2 > 20%.
Takeoff with flex temperature is not permitted on contaminated runways.
Below 100’, moving the thrust levers above the climb detent with disengage
the autothrust.
Manual engine start is recommended if:
o Previous start was aborted due to engine stall, EGT over limit or
low air pressure.
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o When expecting a start abort due to marginal bleed performance
or the engine has a reduced EGT margin.
Max altitude for engine relight in flight is 27,000’
Min N2 before needing starter assistance is 12%.
During an inflight start, light up must be achieved within 30 sec of fuel flow.
Dual engine failure:
o Optimum relight speed 300 kts (-4.5º pitch). At 300 kts the
aircraft flies 2.2 Nm per 1,000’ at 60 tons,
o Resetting the FAC recovers the rudder trim,
o The APU can be started below 25,000’ (if the RAT is out),
o If the start has failed, the engine masters must be turned off for
30 sec to allow combustion chamber ventilation, then on again.