Let’s Use xLS
xLS is a concept that has been developed by Airbus for A320 family, A330, A350, and A380 aircraft to ease the flight crew’s task of flying all straight approaches. It is now the standard for all the newly manufactured Airbus aircraft of these types.This article describes the xLS concept, its various functions, their advantages, and why xLS has been chosen as the standard for flying straight approaches on Airbus aircraft. It addresses operational and training considerations and highlights the benefits of using xLS. It also explains how to retrofit the xLS functions to take advantage of this innovation on earlier produced aircraft.
Inappropriate V/S Target during Autoflight Mode Reversion
Two cases of inappropriate V/S target during an autoflight reversion to V/S mode after a go-around were recently reported to Airbus. In both cases, the inappropriate V/S target resulted in a pitch down command of the autopilot with high thrust. The flight guidance used the previously selected V/S value set during the preceding ILS glide slope intercept from above as a V/S target for the mode reversion.This article describes one of these events in detail and explains the conditions that caused this autoflight behavior. It provides operational recommendations to flight crews to prevent and detect this situation. It also lists the system enhancements that were launched to avoid the use of an inappropriate V/S or FPA target during a mode reversion of the flight guidance.
Safely Flying Non-Precision Instrument Approaches
Historically the distinction between flying ILS/MLS and non-precision approaches was very clear. However, many new kinds of instrument approaches are now available and this makes the distinction less obvious. What remains true today for any approach is that disregarding basic flying techniques and procedures reduces safety margins.This article clarifies which technologies are available to perform approaches using an Airbus aircraft. It also emphasises the safety messages that are important to remember whenever flying an approach.