PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Altimeter cold wx corrections vs A320 FINAL APP mode
Old 19th Jan 2015, 22:59
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busav8r
 
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Altimeter cold wx corrections vs A320 FINAL APP mode

Gents,

ICAO Doc 8168, Vol 1, Part II, Section 4, Chapter 1, says:
...
1.2.2 Atmospheric effects
1.2.2.1 Atmospheric errors associated with non-standard temperatures are considered in the design of the approach obstacle clearance surface. When temperatures are lower than standard, the aircraft’s true altitude will be
lower than its barometric indicated altitudes.
1.2.2.2 Most existing VNAV systems do not correct for non-standard temperatures. At temperatures below standard, these errors can be significant and increase in magnitude as altitude above the station increases. The gradient of the approach obstacle clearance surface is reduced as a function of the minimum temperature promulgated for the procedure.
...
1.4.1 Pilots are responsible for any necessary cold temperature corrections to all published minimum altitudes/heights. This includes:
a) the altitudes/heights for the initial and intermediate segment(s);
b) the DA/H; and
c) subsequent missed approach altitudes/heights.
Note.— The final approach path vertical path angle (VPA) is safeguarded against the effects of low temperature by the design of the procedure.
...
1.4.2 Temperatures below the promulgated minimum Baro-VNAV procedures are not permitted when the aerodrome temperature is below the promulgated minimum aerodrome temperature for the procedure, unless the flight management system (FMS) is equipped with approved cold temperature compensation for the final approach. In this case, the minimum temperature can be disregarded provided it is within the minimum certificated temperature limits for the equipment. Below this temperature, and for aircraft that do not have FMSs equipped with approved cold temperature compensation for the final approach, an LNAV procedure may still be used
...


Question 1: lets suppose I am planning to fly a RNAV (GNSS) with VNAV/LNAV minima to an airport where the minimum temp published on the approach chart is -25ºC. During approach preparation I realize the current OAT at the airport is -10ºC. Do I need to correct all published minimum altitudes/heights (the initial and intermediate segment(s), DA/H and MAP), even tough the current temp is still above -25ºC?
Note: the A320 fleet FMSs of my current company are still not equipped with approved cold temperature compensation systems.


FCOM PRO-NOR-18C says:
‐ The FMS vertical profile does not take into account the effect of low OAT. Therefore, vertical managed guidance:
• Must not be used when the actual OAT is below the minimum temperature indicated on the approach chart or defined by the Operator, or
• May not be used when temperature corrections are required (FINAL APP mode may not engage).


Question 2: FCOM says we must not use FINAL APP mode (and HDG-V/S) when the actual OAT is below the minimum temperature indicated on the approach chart. It also says we may not use the FINAL APP mode when temp corrections are required.
In this last case we still may use the FINAL APP mode but we should consider the possibility of FINAL APP mode not engagement. So, is it valid to say it is recommended to fly a RNAV approach with LNAV minima instead (using NAV/FPA) when temp corrections are required?

Last edited by busav8r; 21st Jan 2015 at 06:16.
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