A320 CALLOUTS

[FlightDetent]

Originally Posted by pineteam

That’s the issue: Some folks in a rush had used the VS and missread. I had one tired captain who select VS +2000 for a descent and read out loud VS -2000...It’s not that common but it does happen.. Luckily I was awake that day and noticed immediately. The missing ALT blue IMHO is a faster trigger to spot the mistake immediately.

pinteam I trust your word the ALT has significance. I think I found one particular trap where the missing ALT would be the warning sign - will keep that to myself for the moment.

Can you check your memory banks, however? What you describe here is sure possible, but if you had moved the ALT SELECTOR before pulling V/S, the ALT(blue) would be there as usual. Even if the pilot used the V/S to send the A/C the other way.

Please? It doesn't add up.

[FlightDetent]

Originally Posted by Alwayswannafly

I have a question, if you are in descent and used V/S -700, your call would be Speed V/S but after a minute or two you reduce to -500 would you call again?

As a general rule for a neat flight-deck, any action relevant to both pilots is called out. To make the other person aware, it is seriously important! And to get yourself into that drill which will prevent acts of bravery one day, you do those calls even in there is seemingly no active need at the present moment.

The answer is YES (call what has changed: ie the number), but in a real-life scenario things happen in a certain context, every action is one link in a chain.
Sometimes you call that silently and it is a right thing to do. The other person may be just responding to ATC or similar...

[pineteam]

Originally Posted by FlightDetent

Can you check your memory banks, however? What you describe here is sure possible, but if you had moved the ALT SELECTOR before pulling V/S, the ALT(blue) would be there as usual. Even if the pilot used the V/S to send the A/C the other way.

It won’t. I did a little video to show you. During climb, I ask the Fo to quickly select the altitude target below our passing altitude and you can see the « ALT » blue disappearing and coming back when the altitude target is set above.

Vimeo

[FlightDetent]

Got it now. If the SEL ALT is on the opposite side of where the A/C is going then the ALT(blue) is not displayed. That is logical since the ALT is not armed for obvious reasons.

So I was wrong. If the SEL ALT is moved to one direction, and A/C sent the other way, the ALT(blue) won't be there. I still have a bit brainwork to do in order to build an image how that would happen and be left unnoticed via the other markers. Yet if there's a need to shield your self from that, reading ALT(blue) is a sensible thing to do I guess.

Stay safe out there. And thanks for the effort of opening my skull.