Stone_cold
I am reproducing airbus standardisation document on activation of approach from last two years. where you call the colour.
CROSS-CHECKS DURING APPROACH PHASE ACTIVATION
Any change having an impact on flight path or aircraft energy must be cross-checked.
By the way:
Actions on FCU
And some actions on MCDUs/MFDs (i.e. "DIRECT TO")
Must be cross-checked.
The approach phase activation confirmation is a "system" confirmation only.
The activation of the approach phase responds to a special request from the PF (or PF personal action) to start with the aircraft deceleration. The phase of flight will change that could be done either automatically by overflying the deceleration "D" point (in this case no request but a positive confirmation of Situation Awareness by both pilots) or manually.
Crew must be aware of the aircraft energy situation change. Communication is essential in the cockpit, although no typical standard call out exists.
In this case, the PF call could be:
PF
. "Activate approach phase"
PNF
"Activating approach phase"
Then PNF states
.. "Approach phase is activated"
PF checks speed on PFD... "Speed XXX magenta"
To sum up, the action on the MCDU "confirm" key itself does not need to be confirmed by the other pilot because it is a "system" confirmation but the process leading to the deceleration needs to be clearly identified and monitored.
Standardization directives for "Approach phase activation"