Auto-Flight

Question 1

The Flight Management Guidance System has how many FMGC and MCDUs?

Answer 1

2 Flight Management Guidance Computers and 2 Multipurpose Control Display Units

Question 2

Which two types of automatic guidance (autopilot modes) does the A320 have

Answer 2

Managed (FMC) and Selected (pilot controlled from the FCU)

Question 3

Which 4 modes of operation can the MCDU/FMGS be in?

Answer 3

1. Dual (do their own computations, and compare)
2. Independent (after a mismatch, will have to mirror all inputs)
3. Single (Only one is working, failed side pilots have to mirror all EFIS settings etc of working side pilot)
4. Backup Navigation

Question 4

What are the difference between amber and blue boxes on the MCDU?

Answer 4

Amber: Mandatory to fill
Blue: Optional

Question 5

What 4 annunciator lights are there on the MCDU unit?

Answer 5

1. FAULT (the unit has failed)

2+3. MCDU + MENU (another system wants your attention, i.e ACARS)

4. FM. If you are using another system (i.e ACARS) and the FMGC wants your attention

Question 6

What’s the difference between magenta and blue text in the FMA, and on the altitude readout above the altimeter tape?

Answer 6

Magenta = managed altitude constraint from the FMGC
Blue = Altitude selected by the pilot

Question 7

What does the expedite button do

Answer 7

For climb: Climb at green dot speed
For descent: Descend at 340/0.8

Question 8

How many IRS does the A320 have

Answer 8

3

Question 9

What does the “IRS IN ALIGN” amber message indicate during IRS alignment

Answer 9

Either the aircraft moved (and it will restart automaticall), or there is a location mismatch

Question 10

What will the Flight Directors do if you deselect LOC/GS during approach

Answer 10

Flash for 10 seconds

Question 11

What will the FDs do if the LOC/GS signal is lost

Answer 11

Flash continuously

Question 12

In Dual AP mode, which FMGC is normally active

Answer 12

Number 1

Question 13

When will the aural/visual alerts stop by itself, if the AP was disconnected by other than the pilot

Answer 13

Never, unless the pilot silences it

Question 14

When is the A/THR engaged during take-off/climb

Answer 14

When the thrust levers are moved to CLB detent

Question 15

What are the three normal A/THR modes

Answer 15

THR, SPEED, Retard

Question 16

When will the voice tell you to Retard during
1. Automatic approach
2. Manual approach

Answer 16

1. 10’
2. 20’

Question 17

If you want to disengage A/THR, what does the blue circle on the engine instruments signify

Answer 17

It’s the Thrust lever angle, that you can align with the current engine power to avoid rapid engine increase/decrease when disconnecting A/THR

Question 18

What happens if you hold the A/THR disconnect button on the thrust lever for 15 seconds or more

Answer 18

A/THR will be unavailable for the rest of the flight

Question 19

What is Thrust Lock

Answer 19

Means the Thrust levers will not control the thrust (i.e after disconnecting A/THR using the pushbutton on the glareshield), until you physically start moving the thrust levers

Question 20

What does an amber circle around an altitude constraint on the ND signify

Answer 20

You are predicted to not make the restriction

Question 21

What are the descent speed margins during a managed descent

Answer 21

Target speed +/- 20 kts

Question 22

How many feet are the bottom and top of the “glideslope” during a managed descent

Answer 22

500 feet

Question 23

What symbol are added to FMA annunciators to show that they are in capture mode (acquire mode)

Answer 23

A star. I.e ALT *, LOC * etc

Question 24

Which two FMAs activate on take-off

Answer 24

RWY (w/ loc) and SRS

Question 25

What does SRS command after liftoff

Answer 25

V2+10 for both engines, current speed or V2 for engine out
18 degrees max pitch

Question 26

How do you disengage the LAND mode during autoland

Answer 26

Only by using the G/A

Question 27

How is Ground Speed Mini computated

Answer 27

Vapp + the difference between current wind and forecast wind (as entered in the mcdu)

Question 28

What is the autopilot minimum engagement height after t-o

Answer 28

100’ ( 5 seconds)

Question 29

Minimum AP disengagement on:
- cat 1 ILS
- NPA

Answer 29

• 160’
• MDA (automatically at MDA -50)

Question 30

What is the minimum AP disengagement on a CAT II approach, if you want to land manually

Answer 30

80’

Question 31

What is the alert height on a cat III approach, what does it mean

Answer 31

100’
Below this height, an AP can fail, and the landing will still be successful