Systems Guide

A318/A319/A320/A321

Professional

SYSTEMS

Systems guide

Vol

04-03-21

11 July 2018

GUIDANCE

In the ALT* and ALT CST* mode the vertical speed is managed to reduce vertical speed to ensure a

smooth capture of the set FCU altitude.

ALTITUDE HOLD

ALT mode will keep the aircraft at a set altitude. The altitude can be a FCU set altitude (with ALT engaged)

or an altitude constraint.

ARMING CONDITIONS

• ALT mode is automatically armed when the aircraft climbs or descents to a target altitude.

ENGAGEMENT CONDITIONS

• ALT or ALT CST is automatically engaged when the aircraft is 20 feet from the target altitude.

DISENGAGEMENT CONDITIONS

• ALT or ALT CST is disengaged when any other vertical mode is selected.

GUIDANCE

• The level kept is the level memorized at engagement of the mode.

VERTICAL SPEED – FLIGHT PATH ANGLE

V/S–FPA is a selected mode, it captures and keeps the vertical speed or the flight path displayed in the

V/S – FPA FCU window.

ENGAGEMENT CONDITIONS

V/S-FPA is automatically selected:

• 5 seconds after liftoff with no other vertical mode selected

• Loss of G/S, G/S*, FINAL, LOC. LOC*, NAV (with DES engaged)

• Automatic reversions

V/S-FPA is manually selected by:

• V/S-FPA selection knob pulled

• V/S-FPA selection knob pushed (will engage an immediate level off and set VS=0)

• AP engagement with no other vertical mode set

• Selection of a different altitude (at least 250 ft from current altitude) in ALT*

• Selection of a higher altitude in DES or OP DES

• Selection of a lower altitude in CLB or OP CLB