320 flap limitation

[Microburst2002]

Can we fly above 20,000 ft with flaps extended?

I mean thet are extended Below, but then we climb to, say, FL 260.

Is that possible according to limitations?

[Los Endos]

Non monsieur.

[i_like_tea]

Agreed,

The FCOM clearly states the limitation:

Flaps and slats:
Max operating altitude with slats and/or flaps extended is 20 000 ft.

[john_tullamarine]

Certification compliance consideration. Nothing specific to Airbus. Several threads on the subject in times past as, for example, here

[Old Smokey]

It was done recently J_T, in an airline near you. That's probably why the question came up.

Best Regards,

Old Smokey

[MD83FO]

You will get an ECAM at FL210

[Microburst2002]

Thanks, guys

Flaps and slats:
Max operating altitude with slats and/or flaps extended is 20 000 ft.

Now re-reading I see that it is crystal clear: you cannot operate the airplane above 20,000 ft with slats or flaps extended.

and now the next question:

what about landing gear?
Can you extend it below 25,000 and 250 kt and then climb to FL280 with the gear down?

Here the english is not so clear to me:

Maximum altitude at which the landing gear may be extended............................................... 25 000 ft

I'll take a look at that thread, J.T, thanks

[john_tullamarine]

I suspect that the non-investigated Mach considerations will apply to gear in a manner similar to flap. The basic rule of thumb is that the OEM isn't going to invest money in certification for altruism - the aim is to make dollars.

OS, what was the story there .. in a de-identified sort of way ?

[Check Airman]

It was done recently J_T, in an airline near you. That's probably why the question came up.

Would very much like to hear the story behind that as well. De-indentified if necessary.

[Dan Winterland]

Oops.

Gear is usually a Mach thing. A mate of mine, when he was young and foolish had to ferry a Lightning with the gear down. Faced with a slow flight, he decided to climb high to get the TAS up, forgetting about the Mach lmit. Apparently, a Lightning doesn't do Mach 1 well with the gear down!