My notes don't quite hit the mark on this, but... for info...
When the flaps are set to the 1 detent, the thrust management computer estimates the slats moving to the flaps 1 position linearly in 5 seconds. There is a microswitch on the thrust lever assembly specifically for this.
Flap position is used to generate max speeds in EPR/N1 ref mode, but this seems to be more general.
During approach, Go-Around Mode will not be armed (if the flaps are not greater than zero).,.. unless glideslope is captured.
With flaps extended, Min Spd is defined as 1.3Vstall. With flaps up, a stall margin is provided such that a 0.5g pitch up maneuver can be performed.
There seems to be quite a range of things which are different with flaps up/not up.
I could understand why flap position is important, and how a failure of the Flaps 1 switch would cause disengagement, but not why the A/T would disengage if the flaps are not in the 1 detent (perhaps the A/T computer is smart enough to know that the TE flaps are moving, but the flap 1 position has not been activated.... and assumes a failure of the flap 1 switch?)
Rgds.
NSEU
Last edited by NSEU; 18th September 2008 at 23:38.