VOR/LOC function and AIRBUS
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Good old Europe
VOR/LOC function and AIRBUS
As far as i know AIRBUS aircrafts do not have a VOR/LOC function for cruise phase of flight but only fot the approach.Is this true ?Or is a useless utility used only from BOEING. Thanks in advance
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: on the golf course (Covid permitting)
Southern
the A320 family does NOT have a VOR/LOC feature on the aircraft. There are 2 flight phases where it can be used as a rule:
1. En-Route
Not really needed when you have triple IRS systems (+ possible GPS systems).
2. Approach
2.1 ILS Localiser only approaches
If you are performing a LLZ only approach, you can arm the LOC function to track the LLZ, and use either FPA or V/S to fly the vertical profile.
2.2 NDB approaches
Establish yourself on the inbound track and then use TRK to maintain the track (adjust as necessary, normally pretty good!). Use either FPS or V/S as above to fly the vertical profile.
2.3 SRA-type approaches
As per NDB approaches, but they give headings, so use HDG rather than TRK for the lateral (and monitor against the map etc!)
The Boeing facility is not useless! - on the old 737-200 VOR/LOC was often used en-route to track airways when the (primitive) area-nav failed, also when doing an LLZ only or VOR approach.
the A320 family does NOT have a VOR/LOC feature on the aircraft. There are 2 flight phases where it can be used as a rule:
1. En-Route
Not really needed when you have triple IRS systems (+ possible GPS systems).
2. Approach
2.1 ILS Localiser only approaches
If you are performing a LLZ only approach, you can arm the LOC function to track the LLZ, and use either FPA or V/S to fly the vertical profile.
2.2 NDB approaches
Establish yourself on the inbound track and then use TRK to maintain the track (adjust as necessary, normally pretty good!). Use either FPS or V/S as above to fly the vertical profile.
2.3 SRA-type approaches
As per NDB approaches, but they give headings, so use HDG rather than TRK for the lateral (and monitor against the map etc!)
The Boeing facility is not useless! - on the old 737-200 VOR/LOC was often used en-route to track airways when the (primitive) area-nav failed, also when doing an LLZ only or VOR approach.
