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Old 16th May 2013, 15:19
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WhyByFlier
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
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On the FMGS status page you'll have an idle factor - that affects the idle thrust set in a managed descent - your company will have decided it.

On top of that, FCOM DSC-70-40-40 P 2/4:

The FADEC has the following three idle modes :

Modulated idle ‐
Is regulated according to :
• bleed system demand ‐ Is selected :
• In flight, when the flaps are retracted (FLAPS lever at zero position),
• On ground, provided reverse is not selected.

Approach idle :
‐ Is regulated according to aircraft altitude, regardless of bleed system demand.
‐ Is selected in flight, when the flaps are extended (FLAPS lever not at zero position)
‐ Allows the engine to accelerate rapidly from idle to go-around thrust

Reverse idle :
‐ Is selected on ground, when the thrust lever is in REV IDLE position.
‐ Is slightly higher than forward idle thrust.
It gives you a buffer for head/tail winds, big temp changes, half asleep, distracted and bored pilots and short cuts.

Consider re-inputting the cost index on the FMGC PERF page every time you pass a constraint to allow the system to recalculate the profile and optimise your descent. Open Descent is rarely going to be more fuel efficient.

Last edited by WhyByFlier; 16th May 2013 at 18:10.
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