Tech note on A380 approach capability;
1. posts here about the chart/FMS structure of JFK 13L/R approaches are barking up the wrong tree. While JFK airport location & approach tracks required for 13L/R are far from ideal, the root-cause of a number of recent events is the inability of the A380 to be in normal APPROACH mode when on an FMS RF-leg. This means a cockpit 'work-around' (NAV-FPA or NAV-V/S) has to be used to provide internal guidance.
Internal FMS guidance can only help safety, when used properly.
Contrary to what some might tell you, there is currently no A380 technical hardware/software fix from the manufacturer to enable the A380 to fly in APPROACH mode on RF-legs, as the 13L/R approaches at JFK require to do everything the A320/330/340 & Boeing 777 can.
A true A380 fix would likely involve a new MMR (Multi-Mode-Receiver), FMS update + re certification (expensive in the millions of $$$). Some A380 operators use an Airbus FCOM work-around (purchased for extra money from Airbus) to enable 'Limited RNP-AR' operations, however it is not a true fix. Only paper, requires lots of unfamiliar FCU manipulation by pilots, setting FCU altitude to a very low height & leaves operator exposed to events of other nature. Pilots don't like it.
Also, the Airbus A380 FCOM 'work-around' procedure can only be used on a published RNP-AR approach (there aren't any at Nice, for example)
A320's, A330/A340 can all do RF-legs in APPROACH mode, as a matter of routine. This makes it a 'no-brainer' for the crew. Just let the machine do it laterally & vertically, monitor closely & disconnect autopilot on Final (about 400ft at JFK). Due to the above-mentioned design-weakness & over-reliance on the FLS concept by the manufacturer at the design stage, the A380 is deficient in this regard.
2. A380 operators are left struggling with this curved-approach flaw, and have to do the best they can to enable internal FMS guidance, while providing guidance to crew on how to minimize associated risks.
3. Fly the airplane, use FMS guidance as a GUIDE, look outside at the right time & don't make the classic mistake of thinking Rwy 13R at JFK is Rwy 13L. 13R is far more appealing because it's closer, even when on track for 13L. Many pilots have made that mistake. Please don't let it be you.
To re-iterate; contrary to what some might tell you, there is currently no A380 technical hardware/software fix from the manufacturer to enable the A380 to fly in APPROACH mode on RF-legs (as the 13L/R approaches at JFK require, in order to do everything the A320/330/340 & Boeing 777 can).
Let's hope the A380 manufacturer produces a true hardware/software fix so the A380 can fly curved approaches in APPROACH mode, like almost every other Airbus variant.