Airbus 'Retard' technique
 

Just wondering what technique you use or have learned to use upon hearing the automated 'Retard' call on landing?

I have seen some airbus pilots closing the throttles upon hearing it immediately and other who close it after the call has been made 4+ times.

Is it just one of those things you 'feel' and decide on the day given the conditions and may differ for every landing? Does the type of aircraft also matter, do the FCOMs differ for the technique used for the 340 vs 320?

AKA.

Airbus
 

As a new Airbus 319/20/21 pilot, my understanding is that the call is a prompt to the pilot if he/she has not closed the thrust levers, by I believe 20 radio.....?

depends.

if your light then you might as well close it early. somecases just before the retard call.
if your heavy then a late reduction would be ideal.
the guys who keep it on for more than two calls are trying for the greaser.:)

Just remember that if you have autothrust enaged you must close the thrust levers before raising the nose to flare. If you don't you get a thrust increase just when you don't want it as autothrust tries to maintain airspeed.

Airbus
 

The technique at our airline is to judge the flare visually, so when we think we should "take control" of the ROD we would close the thrust levers (autothrust is always in) then judge a 2degree or so flare and maintain until touchdown!

thats the general idea.....as I have found in the early days of line flying the aurbus it doesnt always work out like that!!!