# 7. Flight Handling & Airbus Philosophy

# 7.1 Objective and Philosophy

### Objective

To understand how to properly control and manage the Airbus A320 using automation, while maintaining full situational awareness.

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</div>### 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.

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</div>### Managed Mode

- Aircraft follows FMGS flight plan
- Speed, altitude and path are automated

**Used when:**

- Normal operations
- Following SID / STAR
- Cruise and climb

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</div>### Selected Mode

- Pilot manually selects values (speed, heading, vertical speed)

**Used when:**

- ATC instructions
- Tactical corrections
- Specific energy management

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</div>### Core Rule

**“Managed by default – Selected when required.”**

# 7.3 Flight Director (FD)

The Flight Director provides guidance via crossbars on the PFD.

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</div>### Key Rule

👉 The aircraft must **follow the FD crossbars**

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</div>### Autopilot Engagement Rule

The autopilot may only be engaged if:

- Aircraft is stable
- **FD crossbars are aligned**
- Aircraft is already following FD commands

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</div>### Core Principle

**“First fly the FD – then engage the autopilot.”**

# 7.4 Flight Mode Annunciator (FMA)

Located at the top of the PFD.

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</div>### Importance

The FMA shows:

- Active modes
- Armed modes
- Autothrust status

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</div>### Key Rule

👉 **Always confirm mode changes on the FMA**

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</div>### Standard Call

- “FMA checked”

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# 7.5 Thrust Management

The A320 uses fixed thrust detents:

- IDLE
- CL (Climb)
- FLX/MCT
- TOGA

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</div>### Key Concept

- Thrust levers are set to detents
- Autothrust manages thrust within limits

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</div>### Core Rule

**“Set thrust – let the system manage it.”**

# 7.6 Energy Management

Energy = Speed + Altitude

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</div>### Good Energy State

- On profile
- Correct speed
- Minimal corrections required

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</div>### Bad Energy State

- Too fast / too high
- Too slow / too low

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</div>### 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

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</div>### Common Mistakes

- Blind trust in automation
- Wrong mode selected
- Late corrections

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</div>### 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

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</div>### 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

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</div>### Core Rule

**“Stay ahead of the aircraft.”**

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</div>### Outcome

Correct application of Airbus philosophy results in:

- Smooth, efficient flights
- Proper automation usage
- High level of control and awareness