Originally Posted by
Retired DC9 driver
I've demonstrated a 6500 FPM descent in a light A-319. You need to disconnect the autopilot, hand fly to get more flight spoiler extension. But it went down in a hurry. LA Centre had asked us to "expedite descent". My F/O looked a little concerned..
But I realize this thread is about the 787. I only flew the 767 plus the Airbus.
The A319 (or A321) doesn't have any extra spoilers with AP OFF, only A320. Maybe your FO was concerned you didn't know that.