A320 flow pattern

This memo is for personal use only (PDF format)and allows to check very quickly the standard operational procedures on Airbus A320 (partie First Officer side). We can get Standard Operational Procédures as well as Emergency Procedures plus some Memory Items. You will find another memo about FMS and external walk around.

 

Sounds you can hear on board an Airbus, usually a stress for passengers

This document explains all differents sounds we can hear during a flight on board an Airbus A319/A320/A321. All these sounds can be heard especially when you are seated in the middle of the cabin (rows between 10 and 20).

Bass sound

During boarding, you usually hear bass sounds under our foots. This is only the loading of the lagguage in cargo.

Electrical motor

At the end of the boarding, just before the main cabin door is closed, we can hear like an electrical motor sound during 10 to 20 seconds. This is only the cargo door which closes.

Ventilation noise stops

During the begining of the pushback (aircraft is moving afterward), the air conditionning system stops providing air to the cabin. This is the result of the engine start procedure launched by pilots. In fact, the first switch that pilots use for engine start is MASTER SWITCH (set to IGN) this cut airflow of the cabin in order to get maximum air flow for engine start.

Purring on the right

About 10 to 20 seconds after, purring on the right : This is the startup sequence of the right engine (engine starts rotation). On Airbus A319/A320/A321, the engine which has to be started first is the n°2, the right one, as it pressurizes the yellow hydraulic system used for brakes.

Loud sound of drill

Once the engine n°2 has reached its idle speed (maximum 30s after startup), you can distinctively hear a noise very characteristic, like a drill (very loud noise several times, for 5 to 10s). This is that PTU (Power Transfer Unit). As the n°1 engine is not yet started, the associated hydraulic system (GREEN) is not pressurized and the PTU send a portion of the hydraulic pressure of the engine No. 2 to engine No. 1 (Green hydraulic system is pressurized by the hydraulic YELLOW).

Purring on the left

Then, we initialize the startup sequence of the engine 1. We can hear the same noise as before but on the left. The engine starts its rotation up to 22% N2 (using compressed air) and fuel is injected. The motor accelerates slightly and then returns to its idle speed. Then, early in the taxi, you can feel a slight braking, immediately after starting to move forward. This is the check of brake pressure that we do as soon as the aircraft starts moving (it allows to detect any malfunction on brakes). At the same time, you can also see the check of the flight controls (aileron, which rise and fall).

Engine noise near wing

Extension of flaps for the takeoff

Loud purring

Just after takeoff 5 to 10s after airborn, we can hear a loud sound : This is the retractation of landing gear

Engine noise near wing

Another engine noise occurs 2 or 3mn after take off, this is the retractation of flaps (from Flaps3/2 ->Flaps1, then from Flaps1->Flaps0)

Sign ring

Crossing 10 000ft (FL100) in climb, you will hear SIGN OFF signal (extinction of signal « Fasten your seatbelt »). This is the procedure initiated by pilots at 10 000ft (about 3300m). Cabin crews are now allowed to prepare meals.

Noise of engines decrease

Reaching cruise altitude, engine noise decrease until the end of the cruise. Then, at the end of the cruise, we hear that engines stop, in fact all engines are in idle position for all the descent. Crossing 10000ft, you will hear once again SIGN signal « fasten your seat belt ».

Vibration in the cabin

Strong vibration crossing 10000ft, about 15mn before landing. This is the landing lights which are now extended outside the aircraft. These lights are retractable and the vivrations are due to ths wind around these lights.

Engine noise near wing

Then, we can hear once again an engine noise near wings, this is the extension of flaps (Flaps 1, then Flaps 2).

Loud purring

This is the extension of landing gear.

Engine noise near wing

Then again the same engine noise near wing, due to the extension of flaps (Flaps 3, Flaps Full)

 

Airline pilot guide

This document is a summary of the minimum knowledge needed during CPL-IR training plus some important points of the JAR OPS1 reglementation.

To download this file, click here : Guide du pilote de ligne.pdf (french version only)

 

Radio communications in live from many airports in the world

Check this website: http://www.liveatc.net/feedindex.php

 

French approach charts

Charts for VAC et IAC: http://www.sia.aviation-civile.gouv.fr/html/frameset_aip_fr.htm