Topic: Flight Phases

This topic is about the different flight phases in the A320 aircraft. It covers both, FMGS and FWC phases.

Note

Some features here depend on FMS manufacturer (Thales and Honeywell) and may vary between them.

FMGS Flight Phases

The vertical flightplan is divided into flight phases. For each phase, FMGS computes the optimum speed or Mach profile.

Flight Phases FWC

It is important to understand these flight phases as they have an impact on planning a flight as well as on the lateral and vertical guidance of the aircraft.

The most prominent place where these phases become visible are the MCDU PERF pages where all phases, apart from PREFLIGHT and DONE, have their own page.

Quick Overview

FLIGHT PHASES OPTIMUM	SPEED PROFILE	SWITCHING CONDITIONS TO NEXT PHASE
PREFLIGHT	/	SRS takeoff mode engaged and N1 > 85 %(EPR ≥ 1.25) or Ground Speed >90 kt
TAKEOFF	V2 (V2 + 10)	At acceleration altitude or by engagement of another vertical mode.
CLIMB	ECON CLB SPD / MACH	Reaching cruise FL
CRUISE	ECON CRZ MACH	No step descent, and distance to destination < 200 NM, or all engines operative and selected altitude below Max [FL 200, highest DES ALT CSTR]
DESCENT ECON DES MACH	ECON DES MACH / SPD	- Overflying (DECEL) pseudo waypoint with NAV (or LOC*/LOC) mode engaged and altitude <9 500 ft AGL - Manual activation of the approach phase.
APPROACH	VAPP (GS Min)	1. To Go-Around: When thrust levers at TOGA detent, or 2. To Done: 30 s after landing, or 3. To Climb: When inserting a new CRZ FL.
GO-AROUND	VAPP or current SPD, whichever is greater. Green Dot at ACC ALT	1. To Approach: Manual activation of the approach phase, or 2. To Climb: Above acceleration altitude by - Selecting ALTN, or - inserting NEW DEST
DONE	/	To preflight: When INIT or PERF key depressed.

Note

During the preflight phase, the flight crew inserts the flight plan, which includes all data needed for the flight.

PREFLIGHT Phase

During the PREFLIGHT phase the pilot initializes the Flight Management Guidance Computer (FMGC) and sets up various systems in the aircraft.

Flight planning and performance planning happen during this phase.

TAKEOFF Phase

The TAKEOFF phase starts when applying take off thrust (FLX or TOGA) and extends until reaching the acceleration altitude.

Autopilot can be engaged at 100ft above ground or 5 seconds ofter takeoff, whichever is later.

At thrust reduction altitude the thrust levers are normally set in the climb thurst detent (CL detent). The FMGC is in managed mode at this point guiding the aircraft vertically and laterally along the flight plan.

CLIMB Phase

The CLIMB phase extends from the acceleration altitude to the top of climb (ToC) cruise flight level (displayed and modifiable on the MCDU PROG page).

The FMS guides the aircraft and commands acceleration when above the terminal area speed restriction altitude.

The system observes speed/altitude constraints that have been entered in the flight plan.

When all managed modes have been selected and confirmed, the FMS gives speed, altitude, and lateral guidance during climb.

CRUISE Phase

The CRUISE phase extends from the top of climb (ToC) point to the top of descent (ToD) point.

It may also includes intermediate climbs as well as en route descents. At anytime, the pilot can define a step climb to determine the cost and time savings of flying at a different flight level. Step climbs and descents are entered on the MCDU STEP ALTS page which is accessed from a VERT REV page or from the MCDU F-PLN page A.

The FMS transitions to the descent phase when a subsequent descent is initiated within 200 NM of the destination and no preplanned step descent exists in front of the aircraft.

DESCENT Phase

The DESCENT phase starts at the top--of--descent point (which is less than 200 NM from destination) by pushing the ALT knob for a managed descent or pulling the ALT knob for an open or selected descent from the cruise altitude.

The pilot is required to confirm and initiate all descents from cruise altitude by pushing or pulling the ALT knob on the FCU. The managed descent does not occur until the pilot initiates the descent following clearance from ATC.

APPROACH Phase

The APPROACH phase starts when the pilot activates and confirms the approach on the PERF descent page, or when the approach deceleration pseudo waypoint (DECEL) is passed and the aircraft is below 9500 ft AGL in managed flight.

GO-AROUND Phase

The GO-AROUND phase is activated when the thrust levers are moved to the TOGA position while in the APPROACH phase. The FMS then guides the aircraft through the missed approach procedure.

To return to the APPROACH flight phase, activate and confirm the APPROACH phase on the PERF GO-AROUND page.

DONE Phase

The DONE phase is activated after the aircraft has been on the ground for at least 30 seconds and all engines are shut down.

During the done phase, the FMS clears the active flight plan in preparation for reinitialization.

Credits: FBW

FWC Flight Phases

Flight Phases FWC

Flight Phase Inhibitions

Depending on the flight phase, certain ECAM warnings/cautions are inhibited. There is a T/O Inhibit - LDG Inhibit and a Landing Inhibit phase.

The Takeoff Inhibit phase starts actually when the first engine reaches takeoff power until the aircraft reaches 1500 ft AGL (or 2 minutes after takeoff). The Memo Message T.O. Inhibit is displayed on the E/WD.

The Landing Inhibit phase starts at 800 ft AGL and stays active until the aircraft reaches 80 kts after landing. The message LDG Inhibit is displayed on the E/WD.

Takeoff-Inhibit Phase 4

In the Takeoff-Inhibit Phase 4 only the follwing Malfunctions are not inhibited:

Red Warnings

ENG 1 (2) Fire
ENG 1 (2) OIL LO PR
ENG DUAL FAILURE
APU FIRE
F/CTL L+R ELEV FAULT
CONFIG WARNING

Amber Cautions

ENG 1 (2) FAIL
ENG 1 (2) SHUTDOWN
ENG 1 (2) REV UNLOCKED
ENG 1 (2) THR LEVER FAULT
F/CTL L (R) SIDESTICK FAULT
FWS FWC 1 + 2 FAULT

Warning

Only for Flight-Simulation!