A320 FMGC - Independent Mode
Independent Mode is displayed on the scratchpad - Airbus state there is no MEL to apply because the FMGCs are still working. Troubleshooting is problematic and because of an upgrade program on spares, swapping out boxes (even swapping out both) is moreso. To keep the operation running you dispatch in Independant Mode and will continue to do so for quite a few more cycles.
Does anybody have any experience to relate or advice to offer on some of the issues / concerns associated with operating while FMGC's are in Independant mode?
eg FCOM advises crew to manually enter the same data on both MCDUs. How do you handle that below 10,000 when PF is supposed to be flying? PNF has to reach across and make same entries in PF's MCDU and hope he didn't make a typo?
eg Aircraft remains Cat II/III capable but would you impose restrictions?