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. 
 
 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