WhyByFlyer,
Thanks for the FCOM extract. BTW, which Airbus type is it for? It may make no difference, but I should have stated that I was talking about the A320 family.
Quote:
"Is it possible people were previously using the FCU pb rather than the instinctive disconnect?"
No: we always used one of the throttle lever-mounted "instinctive" disconnect buttons, after we had retarded the levers to line up what I call the "doughnuts" with the current thrust. So, assuming my memory is correct, THR LK would only be triggered if we inadvertently pressed the button first.
As it happens, the only documentation I can find on the 'net that covers this aspect of the A320 family is posted by Moscow-based Nordwind, which seems to be in the process of obtaining a small fleet of A321s:
Airbus A320 Family Autoflight :: Flight Guidance - Autothrust
(Then scroll down to A/THR DISCONNECT and THRUST LOCK FUNCTION.)
The section on Thrust Lock states, inter alia, that it is activated when the thrust levers are in the CLB detent (or the MCT detent with one engine out) AND the pilot presses the instinctive pushbutton on a thrust lever.
The section on A/Thr disconnect, however, confirms your information with what appears to be a recent amendment.
As for the A330, an old Airbus FCOM for training purposes only is available
here. 1.22.30 P59 covers A/THR disconnect, and clearly states:
"... the pilot pushes the instinctive disconnect pushbutton on the thrust levers (which immediately sets the thrust corresponding to the lever positions)..."
The Thrust Lock section on Page 60 is identical to what you have posted. I infer that the A320 may have been brought into line with the A330/340 at some stage, or perhaps all types have been modified.
Hi vilas,
Re your post:
"1. Only moving THR levers out off CLB does not disconnect ATHR it restricts the max thrust to the TLA. To disconnect you need to move them to idle.
2. To disconnect ATHR you do not have to press both I/Ds any one will do as well."
(1) That is all correct, and is not in disagreement with WhyByFlyer's posts.
(2) Good point.