Mulligan
Airbus flap settings
Question for 319/320 drivers
Do you generally:
a) use flap 3 unless you need flap full
b) Use flap full unless you need flap 3
WHY?
Hi,
I would pickup answer b. Airbus recommends flap full landing to minimize the negative effects of a low flap setting, such as reduced tailstrike margins or higher approach speeds. But there are cases, as you can see, where flap 3 is the best option, when you need to maximize aircraft energy during approach such as in windshear operations. Beside all that, there are "also" fuel policy
issues. Flap 3 is a good option on a dry long runway where you can use idle reverse and autobrake low. The runway length depends obviously on your type and gross weight, and airlines usually give a reference value based on your airplane and operations.