Christina, The Aviation Nerd 
In areas surrounding most airports, there is typically an initiative undertaken by various stakeholders with the objective of mitigating noise pollution. This noise pollution can be apparent in areas in which aircraft arrive and depart on a frequent basis. Known as Noise Abatement, it is typically delivered through a set of procedures which document and … Read more
Outside of commercial operations, aircraft are required to undergo a series of non-revenue test flights to verify particular aspects of airworthiness. The requirement to ensure airworthiness of an aircraft can be sought by different personnel or organizations. A term used to describe such test flights are referred to as an “Acceptance Flight”, in which the … Read more
During the descent and approach phase of flight, there is a transition and shift in relation to the speed and altitude of the aircraft. During the approach and landing phases, there is a need for the aircraft to decelerate in terms of airspeed in order to enter the necessary landing configuration – this includes the … Read more
Autobrake RTO Mode systems on aircraft provide automated deceleration functions during the take off and landing phases of flight. On sophisticated commercial aircraft, this automation reduces the workload for the flight crew while also ensuring the braking power applied is at a smooth and sufficient rate. The deceleration and braking power applied depends on the … Read more
On the Airbus A320 family, there are 2 engine types available: the CFM International CFM56 and the IAE V2500. There are numerous characteristics to both engine types which suit particular sets of operations. Read out the comparison between CFM56 vs IAE V2500 engine types. As of 2022, approximately 65% of Airbus A320 aircraft types are powered … Read more
On the Takeoff page on the MCDU, the takeoff configuration is entered into the FMS. This takeoff configuration comprises settings such as takeoff flaps, horizontal trim setting, FLEX TO temp, and V-speeds (V1, VR, V2). On the R3 section of the MCDU, there is an option for FLAPS/THS. This is short for Flaps/Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer. … Read more
Flex (short for flexible) temperature is an Airbus-centric term used to describe the use of derated thrust takeoff procedures. Similar to the DERATE setting found on Boeing Aircraft, the FLEX Temperature setting found on Airbus aircraft allows flight crews to select a pre-determined takeoff thrust setting that is below the maximum available thrust setting (TOGA … Read more
An aerodynamic stall occurs when an airfoil is no longer able to produce sufficient lift, in which airflow over and under the wing breaks away. Stalls occur when the critical angle of attack (AoA) of the airfoil is exceeded. The angle of attack (AoA) may be defined as the angle between the chord line of … Read more
In the aviation industry, there are a plethora of acronyms that pilots use to remember key elements of checklists and procedures. In the world of IFR, there is a criterion in regards to onboard equipment that is required to be operational when flying on instruments. Perhaps the most useful acronym to keep in mind when … Read more
Runway lighting systems are separated into categories based on their specifications. This range of specifications includes lighting intensity. On runways that are equipped for night operations and low visibility weather conditions, there will be a series of runway intensity lighting settings available. The intensity settings can be controlled by the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower … Read more
On Airbus aircraft, the engine ignition system is controlled via a singular switch that controls the engine start process. This system involves feeding air to the air starter, which starts the rotation of the engines. In this article we’ll discuss about Airbus engine mode selector crank, wet motor over and dry motoring. Under most operating … Read more
From the A320 series onwards, the throttle and power setting system on Airbus aircraft is designed to maximize efficiency, safety, and fuel economy. This is achieved via an intricate computer-based management autothrust system (A/THR) integrated in line with the Airbus Fly By Wire (FBW) system. Airbus Autothrust (A/THR) System As part of this systems architecture, … Read more
