7. Flight Handling & Airbus Philosophy
- 7.1 Objective and Philosophy
- 7.2 Managed vs Selected Mode
- 7.3 Flight Director (FD)
- 7.4 Flight Mode Annunciator (FMA)
- 7.5 Thrust Management
- 7.6 Energy Management
- 7.7 Automation Discipline
- 7.8 Manual Flying
- 7.9 Situational Awareness
7.1 Objective and Philosophy
Objective
To understand how to properly control and manage the Airbus A320 using automation, while maintaining full situational awareness.
Core Philosophy
The Airbus is designed around one key concept:
👉 “Manage the flight path, monitor the automation.”
Pilots do NOT “fly the aircraft” in the traditional sense:
- They manage modes
- They supervise systems
- They intervene when necessary
7.2 Managed vs Selected Mode
This is the most important concept in Airbus operations.
Managed Mode
- Aircraft follows FMGS flight plan
- Speed, altitude and path are automated
Used when:
- Normal operations
- Following SID / STAR
- Cruise and climb
Selected Mode
- Pilot manually selects values (speed, heading, vertical speed)
Used when:
- ATC instructions
- Tactical corrections
- Specific energy management
Core Rule
“Managed by default – Selected when required.”
7.3 Flight Director (FD)
The Flight Director provides guidance via crossbars on the PFD.
Key Rule
👉 The aircraft must follow the FD crossbars
Autopilot Engagement Rule
The autopilot may only be engaged if:
- Aircraft is stable
- FD crossbars are aligned
- Aircraft is already following FD commands
Core Principle
“First fly the FD – then engage the autopilot.”
7.4 Flight Mode Annunciator (FMA)
Located at the top of the PFD.
Importance
The FMA shows:
- Active modes
- Armed modes
- Autothrust status
Key Rule
👉 Always confirm mode changes on the FMA
Standard Call
- “FMA checked”
7.5 Thrust Management
The A320 uses fixed thrust detents:
- IDLE
- CL (Climb)
- FLX/MCT
- TOGA
Key Concept
- Thrust levers are set to detents
- Autothrust manages thrust within limits
Core Rule
“Set thrust – let the system manage it.”
7.6 Energy Management
Energy = Speed + Altitude
Good Energy State
- On profile
- Correct speed
- Minimal corrections required
Bad Energy State
- Too fast / too high
- Too slow / too low
Correction Methods
- Adjust vertical speed
- Use speed brakes
- Select speed if required
7.7 Automation Discipline
Pilots must:
- Understand active modes
- Anticipate aircraft behavior
- Intervene early
Common Mistakes
- Blind trust in automation
- Wrong mode selected
- Late corrections
Core Rule
“If you don’t understand the mode – you are not in control.”
7.8 Manual Flying
Manual flying is required:
- During training
- In abnormal situations
- When automation is not appropriate
Key Principle
- Smooth inputs via sidestick
- Trust flight control laws
7.9 Situational Awareness
Pilots must always know:
- Where the aircraft is going
- What the aircraft is doing
- What will happen next
Core Rule
“Stay ahead of the aircraft.”
Outcome
Correct application of Airbus philosophy results in:
- Smooth, efficient flights
- Proper automation usage
- High level of control and awareness