Engine Thrust Levers Flashcards
What controls the engines in all operating regimes?
FADEC’s (Full Authority Digital Engine Controls)
What functions does the FADEC control?
- Control of gas generator
- Protection against engine exceeding limits
- Power management
- Automatic engine start sequence
- Manual engine start sequence
- Thrust reverser control
- Fuel recirculation control
-Transmission of engine parameters and engine
monitoring information to cockpit indicators
- Detection, isolation, and recording of failures
- FADEC cooling
What redundancy does the FADEC have?
Dual channel redundancy – one channel is active while the other is standby.
What is the power source for the FADEC?
• The system has its own magnetic alternator making it independent of the aircraft electrical system
When will the FADEC abort a start?
- Hot start
- Hung start
- A stall
- No light up
If the FADEC detects a fault during automatic start, is any crew intervention required?
No. The FADEC will discontinue the start, clear the engine, and attempt a restart (if warranted)
automatically.
No. The FADEC runs an abort sequence if the start aborts on the ground:
- Close the HP valve
- Closes the start valve
- Turns off ignition
- Cranks the engine to clear fuel vapors
- Controls any additional start attempts
When does the FADEC command a higher engine idle speed?
- Bleed system demands and ambient conditions (hot & high)
- Approach Idle (when FLAPS not at zero)
- Reverse Idle when on ground with thrust in REV IDLE position (slightly higher than forward idle)
How many igniters fire during a Normal automatic ground start sequence?
- One igniter with the other serving as a backup
* The FADEC automatically alternates the igniters (A and B) at each start
How many igniters fire on manual or In-flight starts?
Both A and B
When does continuous ignition automatically operate?
- Engine flameout detection OR
- Engine running AND either:
- EIU failure
- Flameout detected
- Ignition delay during start
What are the 6 detent positions of the thrust levers?
- TOGA
- FLX/MCT
- CL
- IDLE
- REV IDLE
- MAX REV
On the ground, how do you arm the A/THR?
• By setting the thrust levers in the TOGA or FLEX gate (with a FLEX temperature inserted in the
MCDU)
• At least one FD must be ON for A/THR to arm during takeoff
What is the active range of the A/THR?
- IDLE to the CL detent (2 engines)
* IDLE to the MCT detent (1 engine)
What is the normal operational position of the thrust levers when A/THR is active?
The CL detent
What determines the maximum thrust the A/THR system will be able to command?
The position detent of the thrust lever
What are 3 ways to disconnect the A/THR?
- A/THR pb
- Instinctive Disconnect buttons
- Thrust Levers to IDLE
What is the preferred method of disconnecting A/THR?
Set the thrust levers to match the TLA to the existing N1 and disconnect using the instinctive disconnect pb.
How do you disconnect the A/THR for the remainder of the flight?
Press and hold the Instinctive Disconnect button for 15 seconds.
Will you be able to restore A/THR if disconnect buttons held for more than 15 seconds?
No
What will you lose if you disconnect the ATHR by holding disconnect buttons for more than 15 seconds
Alpha Floor Protection
What happens to thrust and what annunciates on the FMA when you reach Alpha Floor?
- Thrust – TOGA
* FMA – A.FLOOR
What occurs during Alpha Floor protection after speed increases above VLS?
FMA changes to TOGA LK
How do you then regain normal A/THR when in TOGA LK
- Move Thrust Levers to the TOGA detent
- Press the Instinctive Disconnect button
- Return Thrust Levers to CL detent
- Push the A/THR pb to engage A/THR
When is Alpha Floor Protection active?
From lift-off through 100 feet RA on approach
When would Thrust Lock occur?
- Thrust levers in CL detent and A/THR pb on the FCU is pushed, or
- A/THR disconnects due to a failure
Explain the Normal start sequence.
• ENG MODE to IGN/START, FADEC is powered, ECAM displays ENG page (start valve +bleed
pressure), pack valve close
• ENG MASTER to ON,LP fuel valve opens, start valve opens, fuel used rest,N2 increases, oil
pressure increases
• N2 > 16% Ignition (A or B) on
• N2 > 22% HP fuel valve opens
• 15 seconds (MAX), EGT increase, N1 increase
• N2 > 50% start valve closes, igniter off
• Approximately 58% gray N2 background disappears
• Pack valve reopens with 30 sec delay (remains closed , if the other engine is started)
Explain the Manual start sequence.
• ENG MODE to IGN/START, FADEC is powered, ECAM displays ENG page, pack valve closes
• ENG MAN START pb ON, start valve opens
• At maximum N2 motoring speed (min 20%), ENG MASTER ON
• Observe both A+B Ignition, LP and HP fuel valves open , fuel flow increase, EGT and N1 increase
in 15 seconds
• N2 > 50% start valve closes, igniters off
• ENG MAN START pb – OFF
• Pack valve reopens with 30 sec delay (remains closed , if the other engine is started)
What controls the engine LP fuel valves?
- Engine MASTER switch
* ENGINE FIRE pb
What does a fault light on the ENG panel indicate?
- Auto Start Abort
* Switch disagreement between HP valve and it’s commanded position
