Go Back  PPRuNe Forums > Flight Deck Forums > Tech Log
Reload this Page >

A320 MCDU Approach preparation

Tech Log The very best in practical technical discussion on the web

A320 MCDU Approach preparation

Old 24th Oct 2008, 17:00
  #1 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Airport
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
A320 MCDU Approach preparation

Hello,
During approach preparation,why don't we set Transtion level on the MCDU approach page instead of default transition altitude which is shown there?
It can act as a reminder when passing the transition level during the descent .

Thanks
320p is offline  
Old 24th Oct 2008, 17:43
  #2 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I believe some A320s (the newer ones??) actually do display TRANS LVL on the Appr page, and some don't. I think on the older ones it's just TA.

May be wrong though!

1234
CJ1234 is offline  
Old 25th Oct 2008, 03:47
  #3 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Airport
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks.
Even if it be so, why is selection of Transition Level on the MCDU approach page discouraged?Any technical reason?
320p is offline  
Old 25th Oct 2008, 05:24
  #4 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 44
Received 5 Likes on 1 Post
Hi there,

I think you will find that the Transition Altitude on descent in the MCDU, defaults to what it is on climb. On the 320's I fly the Trans Level is then correctly loaded, when the STAR is selected. If operating to a port without STAR's, I am in the practice of entering the appropriate Trans Level.

What do you mean "discouraged"? It's not something I have ever come across?

Hope that helps a little...
YMML is offline  
Old 25th Oct 2008, 06:21
  #5 (permalink)  
kijangnim
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Greetings,
TRANSITION LEVEL doesnot exist on the Airbus families, there is only TRANSITION ALTITUDE, you have to use it as transition level during descent although it is referenced to transition altitude.
The Airbus test pilots, made it worst on the THALES FMS2, they asked that the defaulted transition altitude on the approach page should display defaulted transition alitude (in the AMI) + 500 feet to cope with low QNH
So guess what we have to correct it EVERYTIME
 
Old 25th Oct 2008, 08:46
  #6 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
He says it's discouraged because the manual, I believe, says:

The crew should not modify this default TRANS FL value, if it slightly differs from the Transition Level specified on the approach chart or reported by ATC.
Why that is, I have no idea. Surely changing the value wouldn't harm anything?

1234
CJ1234 is offline  
Old 25th Oct 2008, 08:49
  #7 (permalink)  

Only half a speed-brake
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Commuting not home
Age: 46
Posts: 4,299
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Originally Posted by kijangnim
there is only TRANSITION ALTITUDE, you have to use it as transition level during descent although it is referenced to transition altitude.
Incorrect. You may want to use it as a TL reminder (STD flashing on PFDs) modified to the value applicable for given runway / pressure. Or, you may want to keep/correct it as appropriate to relevant TA, so that you get the flashing reminder during GA when climbing, so not to bust your GA FL. It is a tool and well educated operateur will use it as (s)he sees most benefical.

Of course, generally, one is better off following employer's standards (a.k.a. SOPs). Of course, there are ten in a dozen aircraft not equipped with such feature and all flying gets performed safely. It is better that automation guidlines do not become obstructing to procedure planning and situational awareness.

FD (the un-real)

Last edited by FlightDetent; 26th Oct 2008 at 12:53.
FlightDetent is offline  
Old 26th Oct 2008, 23:43
  #8 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The A320s I fly automatically inserts the correct Transition level/altitude depending on where you are going. Ie over to NZ, FL150 pops up in the PERF page etc. Maybe we have newer software packages?
Its the Pleats is offline  
Old 27th Oct 2008, 00:38
  #9 (permalink)  

Only half a speed-brake
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Commuting not home
Age: 46
Posts: 4,299
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Originally Posted by CJ1234
He says it's discouraged because the manual, I believe, says ....
Now where exactly is that from? Not manufacturer's FCOM 3 neither 4 or FCTM.
FlightDetent is offline  
Old 27th Oct 2008, 01:56
  #10 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Australia
Posts: 628
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
In one particular airline, their BARO REF is set to STD when cleared to a Flight Level and QNH when cleared to an altitude, provided altitude restrictions for SIDS/STARS are complied with and MSA is attained on a climbed. Having the Transition altitude set in the approach page is for reminder only. When there's a request from ATC for altitude/level passing, QNE or QNH is momentarily set for the reply only.
Sal-e is offline  
Old 27th Oct 2008, 08:02
  #11 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Asia
Posts: 2,372
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
In China, transition levels differ depending on QNH. You need to modify the T/L for unusually low or high pressure settings. Also, sometimes the level in the box differs from the approach plate, if the box is in error it can be corrected.

Some of our aircraft use T/A and some T/L, depends who makes the box.
Metro man is offline  
Old 29th Aug 2010, 19:20
  #12 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Asia
Age: 49
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
fcom 4 does not recommend changing the default TL value, and i have noticed how the value changes as you go into the lower end of QNH, still would like to understand the logic behind.
MD83FO is offline  
Old 29th Aug 2010, 21:04
  #13 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Between Vedex and Murag!
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by MD83FO
fcom 4 does not recommend changing the default TL value
Really? This is just a reminder, so if you want to be reminded when crossing TL just modify it accordingly.

See below:



Originally Posted by Kijangnim
TRANSITION LEVEL doesnot exist on the Airbus families
Incorrect. Our latest MSN (FM2+ equipped) display TRANS LVL in the PERF APPR page.
shortfuel is offline  
Old 30th Aug 2010, 06:04
  #14 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Asia
Age: 49
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
i dont know how to upload the page, but have a look at
FCOM 4.05.50 Page 12.
tell me what you think
MD83FO is offline  
Old 30th Aug 2010, 09:41
  #15 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Between Vedex and Murag!
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I had a look, it's completely coherent with the page description section.
It says again that you can modify it:

shortfuel is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.