Auto/Manual thrust
The auto thrust on the AB is normally engaged right down to touchdown. In fact Airbus encourage its use except in times of heavy turbelence when the T/Ls are hunting during the approach. Over a period of time the skill of manual throttle use is eroded. It now becomes unnatural to take the auto thrust out. Most long haul A340 pilots would be petrified of going to manual thrust on the approach.
Only time manual thrust is now used is in the sim.
Autothrust on the Boeing or other non FBW aircraft is discouraged when the autopilot is dis-engaged and so the thrust levers would be manually controlled for a period of time prior to touchdown. Therefore this is NO or little chance that a T/L would be above idle at touchdown or shortly after. Some pilots do land with a little power on! In any case this would not compromise the landing distance.
Last edited by James7; 29th Jul 2007 at 09:30.