The ping you can hear is the activation of one of the cabin signs. If any of the switches are left in the auto position than they activate with the gear. Unless the CCDS has been modified.
As for flap positions on approach.
Flap 1 = Slats at 1
Flap 2 = Slats at 2 flaps at 2
Flap 3 = Slats at 2 flaps at 3
Flap full = Slats at 3 flaps at Full.
Flaps on Take Off
Flap 1 = Slats at 1 and Flaps at 1
Otherwise the same.
If you take off with config 3 (flaps at 3, slats at 3) on retraction you miss out config 2 and go straight for config 1+F (flaps1, slats1). At heavy weight you can get auto flap retract at config 1. As S (Manouver speed, config 1)speed can be quicker than allowed with flap out.
Happy to be corrected on any of the above.
Last edited by Jonty; 19th August 2010 at 12:34.