Speed Brakes / Spoilers

Question 1

Is there any landing configuration when speed brake extension is inhibited?

Answer 1

• A319/A320 – Flaps FULL

* A321 – Flaps 3 and FULL

Question 2

Discuss the ground spoiler logic on a rejected takeoff.

Answer 2

• If the ground spoilers are armed and the speed exceeds 72 knots, the ground spoilers will automatically extend as soon as both thrust levers are set to idle.
• If the ground spoilers are not armed and the speed exceeds 72 knots, the ground spoilers will automatically extend as soon as reverse is selected on one engine (the other thrust lever remains at idle).
• Therefore, selecting at least idle reverse will always provide ground spoiler deployment.

Question 3

Discuss the ground spoiler logic on landing.

Answer 3

• Full extension:
The ground spoilers will automatically extend when the following conditions are met:
o Speed brake lever not in the retracted position or ground spoilers armed and:
- Both main landing gears on ground,
- Both thrust levers at or below idle position, or Reverse selected
on at least one engine (and the other thrust lever below MCT
position).
o Speed brake lever in the retracted position but ground spoilers not
armed and:
- Both main landing gears on ground,
- Reverse selected on at least one engine (and the other thrust
lever below MCT position).
The ailerons are fully-extended, provided one aileron servocontrol is available on each side, when:
o The ground spoilers are fully extended o Flaps are not in clean CONF
o Pitch attitude is lower than 2.5 °
o Flying manually
o In normal law only.
• Partial extension:
In order to accelerate the full spoiler extension, the Phased Lift Dumping (PLD) function allows the ground spoilers to deploy with a reduced deflection when the following conditions are met:
o Speed brake lever not in the retracted position or ground spoilers armed and:
- One main landing gear on ground,
- Both thrust levers at or below idle position.
o Speed brake lever in the retracted position, but ground spoilers not
armed and:
- One main landing gear on ground,
- Reverse selected on at least one engine (and the other thrust lever below MCT position).
In order to reduce the bounce severity at landing in the case of an inappropriate thrust lever handling during flare, ground spoilers are also partially deployed when the following conditions are met:
o Ground spoilers armed,
o Both main landing gears on ground,
o Both thrust levers at or below the Climb position.
• Retraction
The ground spoilers retract:
o After landing,
o After a rejected takeoff, when the ground spoilers are disarmed.
o During a touch and go, when at least one thrust lever is advanced
above 20°.

Question 4

When will the ground spoilers automatically retract?

Answer 4

• Thrust levers at IDLE and speed brake lever is down

* When at least one thrust lever is advanced above IDLE

Question 5

When is speed brake extension inhibited?

Answer 5

• SEC 1 and 3 failed
• L or R elevator failed
• Angle of Attack protection is active
• Flaps in CONF FULL (A319/A320)
• Flaps in CONF 3 or FULL (A321)
• Thrust levers above the MCT position
• ALPHA FLOOR is active

Question 6

In flight, what happens if a spoiler fault is detected or electrical power is lost?

Answer 6

The spoilers automatically retract.