If your airline was worth a XXXX, it would provide proper RADAR training. Mine did. We spent two days with....not a training department pilot....but, an avionics eingineer. This was done on initial (when you're first hired with the airline as part of the basic indoc).
While it's true, using the RADAR is an art that is learned from experience, you have to be taught the basics...including basic SOPs regarding use, limitations, caveats, etc.
As stated many times previously, Airbus has great documentation to give some of the basics and overview. I don't know if Boeing has similar.
If your airline's SOP is inadequate, it's time to talk to your buddy in the training department to get the company up to speed.
Greybeard, sorry, am extremely skeptical about that..
maybe someone in this forum already has experience with that equipment..
but having been exposed to a wide variety of WX radars, installed in different airplanes, i.e. different antenna sizes, different radomes etc etc..I'm veeery skeptical..
I do not really buy it that automation in this regard, as well meant as it may be by the designers, and as logically as it may be explained, will solve the known issues..
my point is, that there are just way too many variables in the equation, and that is by the nature of WX radar technology and the elements involved..
or simply said, knowing all the limits of WX radar, I would not feel comfortable to rely on more automated circuits in a radar installation..
Some of our airbuses have the autotilt function that adjust the tilt to get an optimum picture against clutter across the whole scan. I have to say, desite initial reservations, it does an impressive job and can provide a picture that I would struggle to achieve even with constant tilt adjustment.
All DC-9 and larger planes can house a 29" flat plate antenna with about a 3 degree beam width. Smaller planes require a smaller antenna, meaning wider beam width and reduced precision of the return.
The video by Archie Trammell you mentioned is now available on DVD or CD Rom. He publishes a monthly website also with training tips and techniques. Check it out: radar4pilots.com
Some of our airbuses have the autotilt function that adjust the tilt to get an optimum picture against clutter across the whole scan. I have to say, desite initial reservations, it does an impressive job and can provide a picture that I would struggle to achieve even with constant tilt adjustment. by 320 driver
Have to agree, there was a bit of a learning curve involved, now when the other guy switches to manual and starts scanning around, I just give a sigh and ask that when he's done, please return to Auto, nuff said.
Actually, occasional change to manual mode is acceptable, but Airbus recommends exactly what Dream Land states.....returning to the auto mode afterward.
Personally, I use a combination of the two modes....I'm still not totally sold on the new dual-scan RADAR. But, please, don't throw rocks at me, I'm a slow learner.
Linear Mode
