180° turns on runway
Performing a 180° turn or U-turn on a runway may seem an ordinary maneuver compared to other phases of the flight. However, operational experience over the past 10 years shows that unintentionally leaving the runway while completing a U-turn can happen, even to experienced pilots, in any conditions, even on dry runway, on any aircraft […]
Wake Vortices
All aircraft generate wake vortices, also known as wake turbulence, which continue to be evident far behind the generating aircraft. Another aircraft crossing this wake may feel a sharp and brief turbulence which can be strong under some circumstances. Let’s review the specific characteristics of wake vortices’ and how pilots should react in case of […]
Control your speed… in cruise
Article Third article in the “Control your speed” series started in issue #18 of this magazine, our aircraft is now flying in clean configuration, travelling in cruise. The main objective is to manage threats to the airspeed and avoid speed excursions.
Lithium batteries: safe to fly?
Today, Lithium batteries play a barely visible, yet essential role in both our daily life and aviation alike. Manufactured and handled correctly, Lithium batteries are safe. But production failures, mishandling, or not being aware of their specific characteristics can have serious repercussions.
A320 Family Aircraft configuration
With the introduction of a data loading function on A320 Family aircraft Flight Control and Auto Flight computers, managing the aircraft configuration entered a new dimension. Flying a certified aircraft now requires understanding not only hardware Part Numbers, but also less immediately visible operational software ones.
Functional Check Flights 4/4 – Executing a Functional Check Flight
Briefing
Functional Check Flights 3/4 – Planning and preparing a Functional Check Flight
The Aircraft
Functional Check Flights 2/4 – Airline preparedness to perform Functional Check Flights
Guidance documentation
Functional Check Flights 1/4 – Special flights requiring special treatment
What does it take to be prepared?
Fuel monitoring on A320 Family aircraft
Since the first A320 entry into service, very few events have involved undetected fuel quantity issues. Yet, coming across a situation where engines shut down by lack of fuel is a situation no one wants to experience.