Airbus...new A320 FCOM format..again !
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 481
Likes: 23
From: Melbourne
Airbus...new A320 FCOM format..again ! Arghhh
It took me a long time to learn the layout of the Airbus A320 FCOM manuals and to find where topics are located.
The FCOM format/layout was changed about 2011 and I had to learn it all again. I found it very frustrating to learn the new layout, but eventually I did.
Now when I am very comfortable with the FCOM layout again, Airbus decide to change it again. Why ?
Isn't this a threat to safety ?
You might need to locate some important on short notice, but you can no longer find it easily and quickly as it has all been rearranged again.
It's a bit like when you go through the amendments every update to see what's new only to see meaningless insignificant amendments such as very minor grammatical changes. Big deal. Sometimes I feel someone is just justifying their employment.
An aircraft designed over 30 years ago and they are still trying to work out how to fly it, with ever changing manuals, limits, recalls, OEB's and SOP's
Gratuitous naughty words really are not all that necessary in Tech Log ..... JT
The FCOM format/layout was changed about 2011 and I had to learn it all again. I found it very frustrating to learn the new layout, but eventually I did.
Now when I am very comfortable with the FCOM layout again, Airbus decide to change it again. Why ?
Isn't this a threat to safety ?
You might need to locate some important on short notice, but you can no longer find it easily and quickly as it has all been rearranged again.
It's a bit like when you go through the amendments every update to see what's new only to see meaningless insignificant amendments such as very minor grammatical changes. Big deal. Sometimes I feel someone is just justifying their employment.
An aircraft designed over 30 years ago and they are still trying to work out how to fly it, with ever changing manuals, limits, recalls, OEB's and SOP's
Gratuitous naughty words really are not all that necessary in Tech Log ..... JT
Last edited by John Citizen; 2nd June 2017 at 13:50.
Before "Ze Germans" get here
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 319
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From: ?
Having recently converted from Boeing to Airbus I can tell you that the revised format from 2011 onwards was still a dogs dinner and the manuals were dreadful compared to the Boeings.
Hopefully the latest format will make them a LOT more user friendly.
Hopefully the latest format will make them a LOT more user friendly.
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 481
Likes: 23
From: Melbourne
It is all changing again effective 20 Jul 2017 (in my company anyway).
Yes, mostly electronic format, but not the QRH.
Some examples of the changes:
- items being listed in alphabetical order instead of the ATA chapter
Why ?
Why change it if it is still the exact same information
Yes, mostly electronic format, but not the QRH.
Some examples of the changes:
- items being listed in alphabetical order instead of the ATA chapter
Why ?
Why change it if it is still the exact same information
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 4,706
Likes: 590
From: 500 miles from Chaikhosi, Yogistan
Personally I preferred the ata order but can live with it.
The relocation of special procedures to the relevant SOP is an improvement.
The relocation of special procedures to the relevant SOP is an improvement.
Last edited by compressor stall; 5th June 2017 at 00:28. Reason: damn autocorrect
Only half a speed-brake
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 136
From: Commuting not home
It is not a different format per se, but a lot of bits and pieces got repositioned, mostly involving the SUP. Some of it went to recently renamed FCTM. DSC is still in ATA sequence but ABN and QRH is indeed alphabetical. It feels as an improvement, namely the shuffle in NOR, but just too little of it given the enormous amount of work behind. So the reasons are not probably for FC benefit.
There is an Airbus FOT about it.
PS: we have some A/C with 12 minutes restriction to turn on the IRS's after the power-up. Used to be SUP-NAV-IR, but I cannot find it anywhere now. Any tips?
There is an Airbus FOT about it.
PS: we have some A/C with 12 minutes restriction to turn on the IRS's after the power-up. Used to be SUP-NAV-IR, but I cannot find it anywhere now. Any tips?
Last edited by FlightDetent; 2nd June 2017 at 22:40.
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,563
Likes: 35
From: I wouldn't know.
Only half a speed-brake
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 136
From: Commuting not home
Ata 00 – operational documentation enhancement for a320/a330/a340
FOT-999-0030-17-00.pdf
FOT-999-0030-17-00.pdf
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,563
Likes: 35
From: I wouldn't know.
That said, the new standard isn't active on our documentation yet, but we got the information about it. And i guess part of the restructuring is the move towards completely paperless documentation, apparently even the paper QRH is gonna go in the next 2 or 3 months. Which fits into our EFB use, everything is paperless except the paper QRH and a small part of the Techlog.
