PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Selecting VS zero during turbulence in cruise
Old 8th May 2014, 20:12
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Uplinker
 
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: UK
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Airbus has a 'soft altitude mode' which ALLOWS vertical changes of +/- 50’ to control speed excursions rather than hosing the engines up and down via the autothrust. This is allowed in RVSM and saves fuel:

".......The soft altitude mode corrects minor deviations from the Mach target by allowing a ±50 ft variation from the CRZ FL. This feature improves fuel efficiency and passenger comfort and minimizes the changes in thrust......"


Why would you want to hold your altitude rigidly in turbulence? - surely more stress on the airframe?
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