ENGINES / THRUST LEVERS

Question 1

What controls the engines in all operating regimes?

Answer 1

FADEC’s (Full Authority Digital Engine Controls)

Question 2

What functions does the FADEC control?

Answer 2

• Fuel metering
• Engine limits based on thrust lever angle
• Start sequencing
• Provides engine indications and thrust limit displays on the E/WD

Question 3

What redundancy does the FADEC have?

Answer 3

Dual channel redundancy – one channel is active while the other is standby

Question 4

What is the power source for the FADEC?

Answer 4

• The system has its own alternator making it independent of the aircraft electrical system when N2
is above a set value
• If this alternator fails the FADEC automatically switches to aircraft electrical power

Question 5

When will the FADEC abort a start?

Answer 5

• Only during a normal automatic start on the ground
• Hot start
• Stalled start
• No ignition

Question 6

If the FADEC detects a fault during automatic start, is any crew intervention required?

Answer 6

No. The FADEC will discontinue the start, clear the engine, and attempt a restart (if warranted) automatically

Question 7

When does the FADEC command a higher engine idle speed?

Answer 7

• Bleed demands
• Approach Configuration
• High engine or IDG temperatures

Question 8

How many igniters fire during a Normal automatic ground start sequence?

Answer 8

• One igniter with the other serving as a backup

* The FADEC automatically alternates the igniters (A and B) at each start

Question 9

How many igniters fire on Manual or In-flight starts?

Answer 9

Both A and B

Question 10

When does continuous ignition automatically operate?

Answer 10

• Approach idle selected (in flight, slats extended)
• Engine Anti-ice ON
• Engine flameout detection
• Failure of the EIU

Question 11

What are the 5 detent positions of the thrust levers?

Answer 11

• TOGA
• FLX MCT
• CL
• IDLE
• IDLE REV
• MAX REV

Question 12

On the ground, how do you arm the A/THR?

Answer 12

• By setting the thrust levers in the TOGA or FLEX gate (with a FLEX temperature inserted in the MCDU)
• At least one FD bust be ON for A/THR to arm during takeoff

Question 13

What is the active range of the A/THR?

Answer 13

• Just above IDLE to the CL detent (2 engines)

* Just above IDLE to the MCT detent (1 engine)

Question 14

What is the normal operational position of the thrust levers when A/THR is active?

Answer 14

The CL detent

Question 15

What determines the maximum thrust the A/THR system will be able to command?

Answer 15

The position detent of the thrust lever

Question 16

What are 3 ways to disconnect the A/THR?

Answer 16

• A/THR pb
• Instinctive Disconnect buttons
• Thrust Levers to IDLE

Question 17

What is the preferred method of disconnecting A/THR?

Answer 17

Set the thrust levers to match the TLA to the existing EPR and disconnect using the instinctive disconnect pb

Question 18

How do you disconnect the A/THR for the remainder of the flight?

Answer 18

Press and hold an Instinctive Disconnect button for 15 seconds

Question 19

Will you be able to restore A/THR?

Answer 19

No

Question 20

What else will you lose?

Answer 20

Alpha Floor Protection

Question 21

What happens to thrust and what annunciates on the FMA when you reach Alpha Floor?

Answer 21

• Thrust – TOGA

* FMA – A.FLOOR

Question 22

What occurs during Alpha Floor protection after speed increases above VLS?

Answer 22

FMA changes to TOGA LK

Question 23

How do you then regain normal A/THR?

Answer 23

• Move Thrust Levers to the TOGA detent
• Press an Instinctive Disconnect button
• Return Thrust Levers to CL detent
• Push the A/THR pb to engage A/THR

Question 24

When is Alpha Floor Protection active?

Answer 24

From lift-off through 100 feet RA on approach

Question 25

When would Thrust Lock occur?

Answer 25

• Thrust levers in CL detent and A/THR pb on the FCU is pushed, or
• A/THR disconnects due to a failure

Question 26

Explain the Normal start sequence?

Answer 26

• ENG MODE to IGN/START
• ENG MASTER to ON
• Start Valve Opens, LP fuel valve opens and gray N2 background appears
• After 30 seconds dry crank, Ignition (A or B) on, HP fuel valve opens
• At ≥ 43% N2 starter cutout, Ignition stops
• Approximately 58% gray N2 background disappears
• Idle approximately 21% N1,58% N2 EGT 415°C, fuel flow 775 pph,

Question 27

Explain the Manual start sequence?

Answer 27

• ENG MODE to IGN/START
• ENG MAN START pb ON
• Start valve opens
• 30 seconds after ENG MAN START pb ON and maximum N2 motoring speed (min 15%), ENG MASTER ON
• Observe AB Ignition, fuel flow increase, EGT and N1 increase in 15 seconds
• At ≥ 43% N2 observe starter cutout and if on the ground, Ignition off
• ENG MAN START pb – OFF

Question 28

What controls the engine LP fuel valves?

Answer 28

• Engine MASTER switch

* ENGINE FIRE pb

Question 29

What does a fault light on the ENG panel indicate?

Answer 29

• Auto Start Abort

* Switch disagreement between HP valve and it’s commanded position

Question 30

What is the rated thrust of each engine?

Answer 30

• A319 – 24,500 lb

Question 31

How many transponders are installed?

Answer 31

2

Question 32

Does illumination of the ATC FAIL light indicate loss of all transponder capability?

Answer 32

No – only the selected transponder has failed