: Turn toward the runway base, drop the landing gear, and extend Flaps to setting 2.
Whether you will be flying in .
: Instructors use these strict profiles during type ratings and recurrent training to evaluate a pilot's pure handling competence and situational awareness. 📊 Typical A320 Handling Reference Values sierra pattern a320
At a predetermined altitude, the pilot executes a missed-approach-style recovery or a standard climb profile. Thrust is increased to a specific climb target (e.g., 80% N1 or MCT/TOGA if simulating an emergency), and the nose is pitched up. Phase 4: Gear Deployment and High-Drag Profiles
At the thrust reduction/acceleration altitude, the nose is lowered to accelerate. Flaps are retracted on schedule (F-speed, S-speed) until the aircraft is "clean." : Turn toward the runway base, drop the
The circuit pattern is standardized at a above ground level, with the specific direction (left-hand or right-hand) briefed before takeoff based on the airport's procedures.
If an engine fails , the pilot is committed to continuing the takeoff. This is a stressful and dynamic event. A rejected takeoff is no longer an option; the pilot must safely get the plane airborne on a single engine. 📊 Typical A320 Handling Reference Values At a
| Feature | Sierra Pattern | Echo Pattern | Delta Pattern | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Level segment | Continuous idle descent | Climb segment | | Thrust | Idle -> Thrust -> Idle | Idle | TOGA -> Thrust -> Idle | | FMS Symbol | S | (no symbol, default) | E or D | | Primary Use | Meet altitude constraints with energy loss | Fuel-efficient descent | Terrain/ATC climb requirement | | Fuel Burn | Moderate (increased) | Minimum | High |
Clean configuration, slowing to Green Dot speed.
The A320 has high drag with Flaps 3. In a heavy jet, retracting flaps to 2 or 1 too early while still at low speed (Vls – lowest selectable speed) can cause a stick shaker or loss of climb performance.