FBW A380 Tutorial 12: Flying the ILS | Real Airbus Pilot

Summary

In this detailed tutorial, Emanuel guides viewers through the process of performing an ILS approach in the FlyByWire Airbus A380. He covers everything from identifying the ILS system and setting up the aircraft, to configuring the flaps and managing the glide slope during the approach. The video emphasizes the importance of correct speed and configuration settings, as well as adhering to SOPs for safe and effective landings. Viewers will learn key techniques for flying an ILS approach, making this tutorial invaluable for both novice and experienced flight sim enthusiasts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ensure the ILS approach is properly identified and tuned in the FMS before arming approach mode.
• 😀 Always wait for both the localizer and glide slope signals before engaging the approach mode to avoid capturing incorrect signals.
• 😀 The recommended display for the ILS approach is the Arc Mode, as it shows the full navigation display, but LS Mode can be used for raw data approaches.
• 😀 For proper aircraft configuration, start with Flaps 1 at the 'Flaps 1 speed' and intercept the glide slope as the speed reduces.
• 😀 Follow ATC speed instructions and use the appropriate flap settings for separation, but never go below Flaps 1 when intercepting the glide slope.
• 😀 At 2,500 ft, select Flaps 2, and at 2,000 ft, extend the landing gear and arm the ground spoilers.
• 😀 Always monitor the aircraft's speed during the approach, adjusting the configuration (Flaps 2, Flaps 3, etc.) to maintain the correct approach speed.
• 😀 The approach altitude is typically set to 3,000 ft. If the altitude is shown in white on the PFD, it means it's armed as a missed approach altitude.
• 😀 Use the correct flap configuration to maintain the proper speed as you approach the glide slope and manage speed changes effectively.
• 😀 Once below 2,000 ft, perform the landing checklist, including confirming the ECAM memo shows 'Landing' and ensuring all configurations are set for landing.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the ILS approach tutorial?

The tutorial is focused on teaching the techniques for flying the ILS approach in the FlyByWire Airbus A380, from receiving the localizer to preparing for a manual landing.

When should the approach mode be armed on the A380?

The approach mode should be armed only once the aircraft has received both the localizer and the glide slope signals. If only the localizer is received, the approach mode should not be armed.

What are the two display modes available for flying the ILS approach?

The two display modes available are Arc mode, which shows the full navigation display, and LS mode, which displays the standard ILS instrument. Arc mode is generally recommended for normal procedures.

What configuration should the A380 be in when intercepting the glide slope?

The aircraft should be in flaps one configuration with speed set to the flaps one speed when intercepting the glide slope.

Why is it important not to arm the approach mode too early?

Arming the approach mode too early can result in the aircraft capturing a side localizer instead of the intended glide slope, which can cause issues with the approach.

What is the significance of the ILS identifier displayed on the aircraft's navigation display?

The ILS identifier, shown as a three- or four-letter code, confirms that the ILS approach is properly loaded and identified. It is crucial for ensuring the aircraft is tuned to the correct approach frequencies.

What should the pilot do if the aircraft cannot maintain the speed in config one due to wind conditions?

If the aircraft is unable to maintain speed in config one because of wind conditions, the pilot should select config two, which provides additional drag to help slow the aircraft down.

When should the landing gear be deployed during the ILS approach?

The landing gear should be deployed once the aircraft reaches a minimum altitude of 2,000 feet. This is when the gear is selected down and the ground spoilers are armed.

What are the speed limits and configuration changes for the A380 during the approach?

The aircraft should follow a configuration sequence: flaps one when intercepting the glide slope, flaps two at 2,500 feet, flaps three as the speed decreases, and full configuration once the speed reaches the appropriate limit.

What should the pilot do once the gear is down during the approach?

Once the gear is down, the pilot should arm the ground spoilers, turn on the runway turnoff lights, and ensure that the nose wheel lights are also illuminated.