PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Airbus groundspeed mini & unstable approaches
Old 7th Jun 2012, 08:39
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gusting_45
 
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I think many have missed the point. The secret is in the name, ground speed mini. In truth I don't care about maintaining a minimum ground speed, this has absolutely nothing to do with maintaining safe flight. It does however make the life of ATCO easier as it will facilitate stable aircraft separation.

Like many who have flown airbus in very disturbed weather conditions I have seen some ridiculously high commanded air speeds whilst using managed speed and A/T. I'm sure others like me have seen commanded speeds of VLS plus 40 or more. How likely are you to experience, unannounced, 40 knots plus of wind shear which would threaten the aircraft?

On the other hand I and others alike have flown approaches with very strong and blustery crosswinds where g/s mini will add on nothing at all to VAPP.

When conditions are difficult I will decide on my own safe airspeed and fly that irrespective of what g/s mini thinks.

It's worked all the way from L-188 through B727 etc and now airbus.

Don't be a slave to the automation.
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