DESCENT

Question 1

What is the downside of using OP DES mode with regards to thrust margin?

Answer 1

Thrust goes to idle which means that it takes longer time to recover energy if needed quickly

Question 2

What is the latest time to obtain ATIS/WX for landing?

Answer 2

15 min prior to TOD

Question 3

How can we avoid un-commanded climbs at Top of Descent?

Answer 3

The final FMS cruise level must be different by at least 10 ft compared to the tropopause level

Question 4

Describe the flow for Descent Preparation?

Answer 4

• 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

Question 5

When does the arrival announcement to the passengers has to be done at the latest?

Answer 5

Before Top of Descent

Question 6

If the winds from ATIS is 15020G35, what do you insert in the FMS in the performance page?

Answer 6

150/20 as Ground Speed Mini will take care of gust increases

Question 7

Within what distance of TOD should the arrival briefing be performed?

Answer 7

Within 160 nm

Question 8

At what time do we call the cabin “CABIN CREW, PREPARE THE CABIN FOR LANDING”?

Answer 8

At ETA -20 min and after switching seat belts ON

Question 9

What MCDU page should PM have up during descent and why?

Answer 9

FLPN page so that PF can easily see total distance to go

Question 10

What does “speed on transition” mean when given that in a clearance from ATC?

Answer 10

The speed you should keep at the cross over altitude

Question 11

What is the criteria for speed brakes to be used?

Answer 11

Bugged speed has to be lower than actual speed

Question 12

What is a good speed to aim for at 15/14/13/12/11 and 10 nm on a approach?

Answer 12

15 = 250 kt
14 = 240 kt
13 = 230 kt
12 = 220 kt
11 = 210 kt
10 = 200 kt

Question 13

If a STAR has a coded holding pattern, is that included in fuel computation and TOD calculation?

Answer 13

Its not included

Question 14

What thrust is commanded in the idle descent segment?

Answer 14

THR IDLE

Question 15

What thrust is commanded in the geometric descent segment?

Answer 15

MACH or SPEED

Question 16

What is the maximum speed in DES MODE for the speed bracket?

Answer 16

Vmo +5 kts

Question 17

What is the minimum speed in DES MODE for the speed bracket?

Answer 17

Vls

Question 18

In DES MODE, what controls speed and path?

Answer 18

Speed = Thrust
Path = Elevator

Question 19

In OP DES MODE, what controls speed?

Answer 19

Pitch/Elevator

Question 20

When should OP DES be used?

Answer 20

• 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

Question 21

When should VS be used?

Answer 21

• 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

Question 22

How will EAI ON affect your descent profile?

Answer 22

It will put you high, similar to a tailwind situation

Question 23

What is the preferred way to solve a high on profile situation?

Answer 23

OP DES and to speed up

Question 24

How can we get the FMS to recalculate a optimized descent path?

Answer 24

Re-enter cost index (Thales)
Re-enter managed speed (Honeywell)