Might be relevant for LCY:
ACCESS ALL RUNWAYS – A318 STEEP APPROACH CERTIFICATION PROCESS
STARTS
First flight towards certification last month
Last month the A318 took a significant step towards becoming the
first Airbus aircraft to obtain certification for steep runway
approaches when it satisfactorily completed its first flight with
representatives from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
on-board.
Airbus seeking 5.5 degreesteep approach for A318
Generally required in airports where there are tall obstacles close to
the runway or where there are very stringent noise restrictions,
steep approaches are classified as those with a gradient, or glide
slope, of over 4.5 degrees. Airbus is seeking an EASA approach
certification of 5.5 degrees for the A318 which is the maximum glide
slope that has been obtained by any other commercial aircraft.
Steep approach certification later this year for both powerplants
The A318 demonstrated its capacity for steep approaches during
the 2004 Farnborough International Air Show as well as this year’s
Paris Air Show but in order to obtain this certification the A320
Family’s newest member will have to demonstrate that it can safely
land with a glide slope of 7.5 degrees. It already successfully
achieved this gradient during pre-certification flight trials earlier this
year so Airbus expects to obtain certification for both the A318’s
powerplants, CFM56-5 and PW6000A, by the end of this year.
Steep approach only needs one new button on the aircraft
The certification process began in 2004 with the first handling
qualities related tests using the CFM International engine, and
preceded a year-long feasibility and evaluation study. The study
investigated the systems’ changes necessary to be able to effect
this manoeuvre, but thanks to its fly-by-wire design and integrated
digital avionics, the changes to the A318 cockpit are minimal: only
one button has been added.
Steep approaches require different air brake configuration
This new control ensures that the usual flight control protections
and warnings triggered by abnormal aerodynamic configurations
are adapted and alternative air brake configurations are activated.
In summary, a steep approach requires a specific air brake
deflection to produce the required balance between the aircraft’s lift
and speed during approach and landing.
Steep approach will offer A318 more new route opportunities for operators
Steep-approach certification has always been part of the A318
programme, and is consistent with Airbus’ policy of covering as
many market segments and operational capabilities within its
product line as is possible. Its take-off and landing performance
already allows operators to fly into airports that are operationally
unsuitable for larger aircraft. A steep approach capability with a
higher payload than similar aircraft, should provide A318 operators
with further opportunities to open up new routes in airports
hampered by severe noise restrictions, tall buildings or difficult
terrain.