Airbus Cruise Level Change Close to TOD
A question for Airbus drivers.
You are in the cruise phase at FL350 and you are cleared by ATC to descend to FL340 because it's smoother down there. You are about 40 miles from the calculated TOD indicator on the ND. SPD HDG and ALT are in managed mode. What is the correct way to change cruise level?
- Select FL340 on the FCU and PUSH the ALT knob
- Select FL340 on the FCU and PULL the ALT knob;
- Use V/S mode;
- Enter a new cruise level in the MCDU;
- Some other way.
My reason for asking:
How does the aircraft know that you are commanding a lower flight level and not initiating the descent phase?
Hope this makes sense!
Tailwinds...
Last edited by piper mohawk; 19th Nov 2018 at 13:59.
Reason: Terminology