Flight Directors- A320

[Boyington]

On the A320s when flying an ILS when we reach minimums and announce 'Landing' we do not switch off the FDs , whereas when flying a Non Precision Approach we switch off the FDs on sighting the runway. Are the FDs switched off to prevent any chance of a Mode Reversion or is there any other reason?

[tubby linton]

On an ILS the FD will give you directions all the way to touchdown. On a non precision approach once you have gone visual you should be looking out of the window. Turning the Flight Directors off ensures the athr remains in speed mode.

[vilas]

The basic principal is that when FD bars are not being followed they should be switched off like even in a visual approach. In a NPA FD guidance is not locked to any beam so it is not valid once visual. Since ILS GS is valid till the touch down and FDs can be used below minimums, they are left ON.

[Microburst2002]

Yeah

But I have observed a few pilots following the pitch bar even for flare and touch down, which is completely wrong.

[vilas]

Microburst2002
Following FD bars for flare and touch down? :rolleyes: Geniuses. Borne CAT III pilots!

[vilas]

tubby linton
Even with FDs ON the ATHR on approach is in speed mode.

[Microburst2002]

Apparently some guru had told them they could always use the flare pitch bar. They were new in the airplane and were afraid of Airbus. To make matters worse, it was also a fashion in that time not to close the thrust levers until touch down.
I've never seen such long flares and floats!!!:D

[Goldenrivett]

There was an AF incident a little while ago at LLBG during the RNAV circle to 26.
http://www.bea.aero/docspa/2012/f-pe120403.en/pdf/f-pe120403.en.pdf

"EASA, in partnership with national civil aviation authorities, ensure
that training and recurrent training programmes include instruction on
the risks associated with the use of OPEN DESCENT mode on approach.
[Recommendation FRAN-2013-86]"