I am studying for Recurrent, (what we call CQT), Continuing Qualification Training, and we now have everything on the ipad I don't like this method because a well worn manual with lot's of notes in the margins and highlights makes it easy to find stuff. They can slip in new stuff and you miss it if you don't really take the time to study every new update.
Anywho... over the summer they stuck in this little tidbit.
9.3.7. Erroneous Radar Altimeter Indications
Non-Normal Operations 9-31
Miscellaneous Non-Normal Procedures
Primary Flight Display (PFD).
— Frozen RA height indication (possibly negative) in either amber or green depending
on height
— Discrepancy between both PFDs (RA indications, FD orders, and if both AP engaged,
PFD FMAs)
System Display (SD).
— A pulsing Cabin Differential Pressure Advisory on the ECAM PRESS page (No
consequence on cabin pressure)
Warnings/Callouts.
— Untimely EGPWS alerts
— Untimely or absence of "RETARD" auto callout
— Untimely L/G GEAR NOT DOWN ECAM warning
— Absence or interruption of RA automatic callout (height announcement)
— Activation of AUTOLAND warning light in ILS approach with autopilot engaged in
LAND or FLARE mode when:
• one RA height goes below 200 ft and
• the difference between both RA height indications is greater than 15 ft.
• Note •
There is no ECAM message or audio warning in association
with the AUTOLAND warning light. The AUTOLAND
warning can be triggered even if AUTOLAND is not planned.
Autoflight System Mode Changes (Indications on FMA).
— NAV mode engagement not possible after takeoff
— During an ILS approach, and depending on the engaged Flight Guidance modes, the
consequences may be:
• untimely/early engagement of the LAND/FLARE/THR IDLE modes
• Note •
During ILS approach with AP and A/THR engaged, THR
IDLE mode untimely engagement will be associated with an
initial pitch attitude increase due to FLARE mode engagement.
• during AUTOLAND, the LAND/FLARE/THR IDLE modes may not engage
• in case of go-around and if the RA is still frozen at a very low height indication
Non-Normal Operations 9-32
Miscellaneous Non-Normal Procedures
— SRS and GA TRK modes engage
— NAV, HDG or TRK lateral modes cannot be selected
— LVR CLB will not be displayed on the FMA at thrust reduction altitude
— ALT* and ALT will not engage at the FCU target altitude
Disconnecting the autopilot and resetting both flight directors allows the engagement of
basic modes (HDG and V/S).
During an ILS Approach. During an ILS approach with autopilot engaged, if an
erroneous and very low RA height indication occurs, THR IDLE and FLARE modes may
engage early with the following consequences:
— Automatic autopilot disconnection due to high angle of attack is not available. If the flight crew does not immediately react, the angle-of-attack will increase and may reach the stall value.
— Loss of alpha floor.
— Loss of low energy audio warning, "SPEED, SPEED, SPEED"
— The auto-trim function may be inhibited. In this case, reducing thrust increases pitch down authority.
— In manual flight or after autopilot disconnections, with high thrust, significant
forward longitudinal sidestick input may be required.
Procedure. Monitor and crosscheck all primary flight parameters and the FMA during
all phases of flight.
During ILS approaches with autopilot engaged, and in the event of an unexpected, early
"THR IDLE" and "FLARE" engagement, immediately:
— perform an automatic go around applying TOGA thrust or
— disconnect the autopilot, then:
• continue the landing using raw data or visual references (FDs set to OFF) or
• perform a manual go around applying TOGA thrust.
Caution
Significant longitudinal sidestick input may be required.
Go Around. In case of go around (automatic or manual), when climb gradient is
established, and at or above the thrust reduction altitude, reduce thrust without delay
(thrust levers set to CLB detent).
GOOD GRAVY, ALL THAT'S POSSIBLE FOR A FAILED RADAR ALTIMETER SYSTEM? Keep this all in mind if you dispatch with one inop!