Sore Higher
28th Jan 2015, 21:56
Hi
I have been in the left seat of A320s for over 10 years and have developed the habit of using Flap 3 and Vapp of Vls +10 for an approach in expected turbulent or possible windshear conditions. The reason for doing this is because Airbus says we should, and in fact give us no option but to use Flap 3 if windshear is possible. (FCOM PRO-SUP-91-20 P1)
I find the handling on short final in choppy conditions to be quite acceptable with Flap 3 and Vapp=Vls+10 entered in the MCDU Perf page, whereas on occasions doing a Flap Full with Vapp=Vls+5 approach in unexpected choppy conditions the aircraft handles like an over loaded canal barge by comparison. Yes I know the manuals imply the handling should be the same, but it isn’t… I’m talking about lateral control here.
So I have two questions I would like to ask:
First question, directed towards other experienced A320 pilots out there: Talking to the F.O.s I fly with it appears very few other Captains prefer Flap 3 to Flap Full in choppy conditions, and I am wondering why? Is it me who is missing something, or is it the other guys?
Second question, directed to anyone who has advanced knowledge of aircraft stability and control, and aerodynamics: Is the difference in handling due to the flight control laws, or aerodynamics, or both? I'm just curious, that's all.
Thanks for any replies.
I have been in the left seat of A320s for over 10 years and have developed the habit of using Flap 3 and Vapp of Vls +10 for an approach in expected turbulent or possible windshear conditions. The reason for doing this is because Airbus says we should, and in fact give us no option but to use Flap 3 if windshear is possible. (FCOM PRO-SUP-91-20 P1)
I find the handling on short final in choppy conditions to be quite acceptable with Flap 3 and Vapp=Vls+10 entered in the MCDU Perf page, whereas on occasions doing a Flap Full with Vapp=Vls+5 approach in unexpected choppy conditions the aircraft handles like an over loaded canal barge by comparison. Yes I know the manuals imply the handling should be the same, but it isn’t… I’m talking about lateral control here.
So I have two questions I would like to ask:
First question, directed towards other experienced A320 pilots out there: Talking to the F.O.s I fly with it appears very few other Captains prefer Flap 3 to Flap Full in choppy conditions, and I am wondering why? Is it me who is missing something, or is it the other guys?
Second question, directed to anyone who has advanced knowledge of aircraft stability and control, and aerodynamics: Is the difference in handling due to the flight control laws, or aerodynamics, or both? I'm just curious, that's all.
Thanks for any replies.