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Approach - FPA Guidance

Procedure for an approach using FPA Guidance on an Airbus A320 family aircraft.

General

The following items are to be performed additionally to SOP's in the following cases:

  • RNAV(GNSS) approaches using mixed NAV FPA guidance with LNAV minima only
  • Conventional approaches based on VOR and NDB using selected TRK FPA or mixed NAV FPA guidance
  • ILS G/S out, LOC Only and back course localizer approaches

The Approach is flown in TRK|FPA when:

  • The Approach is not stored in the database or
  • NAV Accuracy is LOW
Descent Preparation
F-PLN A page:
  • If a TOO STEEP PATH message is displayed at the Final Descent Point (FDP), disregard the V/DEV or yoyo information on the PFD

    For Approaches suing NAV|FPA:

  • 1 deg. of difference between the MCDU and the charted final lateral track is acceptable
  • 3 deg. of difference between the MCDU and the charted final lateral track is acceptable for conventional radio NAVAID Approaches
  • In all other cases use TRK|FPA mode for approach
 Check
PROG Page
  • Insert the reference RWY threshold in the BRG/DIST field for position monitoring during approach
 Complete
Go Around Strategy Review
Descent

At 10000 ft:

NAV ACCURACY:

Note: if NAV accuracy is LOW, use TRK | FPA mode for approach.
  • For RNAV (GNSS) approach: GPS PRIMARY: Check
  • GPS PRIMARY mus be available on at least 1 FMS
 Check
Initial / Intermediate / Final Approach
LATERAL GUIDANCE MODE:
  • Arm NAV or LOC mode as appropriate
 Set for Approach
For LOC ONLY and ILS G/S OUT:
LOC pushbutton on FCU:
  • Press the LOC pushbutton when cleared for approach and on the intercept trajectory for final approach
 Push
LOC: Check Armed
For Back Course Localizer approaches:
TRK FPA Mode: Use for Approach
LATERAL PATH:
  • Monitor NAV or LOC engagement as appropriate
 Intercept
TRK FPA pushbutton (bird): Select
FPA for Final Approach: Set
At 0.3 NM from the Final Descent Point:
FPA Selector: Pull
FPA MODE:
  • Check NAV|FPA, TRK|FPA or LOC|FPA is engaged
 Check Engagement
POSITION/FLIGHT PATH: Monitor/Adjust
GO-AROUND ALTITUDE:
  • Set when below the Go-Around Altitude to avoid unexpected altitude capture
 Set
FLIGHT PARAMETERS:
  • Crosscheck distances versus altitudes as published on charts
  • If approaching on a conventional radio NAVAID procedure, monitor the lateral and vertical guidance using raw data
  • For approaches using NAV|FPA, monitor XTK error on ND to check lateral guidance
  • The Pilot Monitoring calls out if excessive deviations occur
    * Approach using NAV Mode: XTK > 0.1 NM
    * Approach using LOC Mode:LOC ½ dot
    * Approach using TRK Mode:
    - VOR: ½ dot or 2.5°
    - NDB: 5°
Monitor
At entered Minimum +100 ft
ONE HUNDRED ABV.: Monitor or Announce
At entered Minimum
MINIMUM:
  • Below minimum, the visual reference must be the primary reference until landing
 Monitor or Announce
If visual conditions are sufficient:
CONTINUE: Announce
At the latest at Missed Approach Point or the Minimum allowable use of Autopilot height (whichever comes first):
AUTOPILOT: Off
FLIGHT DIRECTORS: As required
RUNWAY TRACK: Check/Set
If visual conditions are not sufficient:
CONTINUE: Announce

Management of Degraded Navigation

For VOR and NDB approaches in NAV|FPA, if lateral guidance is not satisfactory:

  • be prepared to continue the approach with reference to appropriate raw data by reverting to TRK|FPA

For RNAV (GNSS) approaches with LNAV minima:

  • Use the appropriate remaining AP/FD in the following cases:

    • GPS PRIMARY LOST on one Navigation Display
    • NAV ACCUR DOWNGRAD on one FMGS

  • Discontinue the approach in the following cases, if external visual references are not sufficient to proceed visually

    • GPS PRIMARY LOST on both ND's
    • XTK > 0.3 NM
    • NAV FM/GPS POS DISAGREE on ECAM
    • NAV ACCUR DOWNGRAD on both FMGS

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Warning

ONLY for Flight-Simulation!

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