DESCENT Flashcards
What is the downside of using OP DES mode with regards to thrust margin?
Thrust goes to idle which means that it takes longer time to recover energy if needed quickly
What is the latest time to obtain ATIS/WX for landing?
15 min prior to TOD
How can we avoid un-commanded climbs at Top of Descent?
The final FMS cruise level must be different by at least 10 ft compared to the tropopause level
Describe the flow for Descent Preparation?
- PM gets ATIS
- PF prepares NAV Clip board
- PM checks ECAM STS
- PF discuss landing conditions
- PF/PM performs LPA
Do it one at a time, and then cross-check
No need to hand over controls or ATC - PF prepares FMS (TOPHAT), GPWS FLAP 3, LDG
ELEV AUTO, AUTO BRAKE - PM crosschecks FMS
Arrival Brief
When does the arrival announcement to the passengers has to be done at the latest?
Before Top of Descent
If the winds from ATIS is 15020G35, what do you insert in the FMS in the performance page?
150/20 as Ground Speed Mini will take care of gust increases
Within what distance of TOD should the arrival briefing be performed?
Within 160 nm
At what time do we call the cabin “CABIN CREW, PREPARE THE CABIN FOR LANDING”?
At ETA -20 min and after switching seat belts ON
What MCDU page should PM have up during descent and why?
FLPN page so that PF can easily see total distance to go
What does “speed on transition” mean when given that in a clearance from ATC?
The speed you should keep at the cross over altitude
What is the criteria for speed brakes to be used?
Bugged speed has to be lower than actual speed
What is a good speed to aim for at 15/14/13/12/11 and 10 nm on a approach?
15 = 250 kt
14 = 240 kt
13 = 230 kt
12 = 220 kt
11 = 210 kt
10 = 200 kt
If a STAR has a coded holding pattern, is that included in fuel computation and TOD calculation?
Its not included
What thrust is commanded in the idle descent segment?
THR IDLE
What thrust is commanded in the geometric descent segment?
MACH or SPEED
What is the maximum speed in DES MODE for the speed bracket?
Vmo +5 kts
What is the minimum speed in DES MODE for the speed bracket?
Vls
In DES MODE, what controls speed and path?
Speed = Thrust
Path = Elevator
In OP DES MODE, what controls speed?
Pitch/Elevator
When should OP DES be used?
- When you overflown the TOD point
- When on or above profile in HDG MODE?
- When above profile and more than 70 nm from
destination - When flying a high speed descent below 10000 ft,
OP DES needs to be used instead of DES in order to
fly below the FMS profile, which is computed for a
lower speed
When should VS be
used?
- On approach or near approach or below 4000 ft
- When flying below profile in HDG mode
- Reducing speed faster when on or below profile
- To finess an ILS intercept
- To minimize climb due to traffic above
How will EAI ON affect your descent profile?
It will put you high, similar to a tailwind situation
What is the preferred way to solve a high on profile situation?
OP DES and to speed up
How can we get the FMS to recalculate a optimized descent path?
Re-enter cost index (Thales)
Re-enter managed speed (Honeywell)
