Title: Airbus Standard Strategy for Engine Failure During Cruise: A Comprehensive Guide for Pilots
Introduction:
As professional pilots of Airbus aircraft, adhering to standard procedures and strategies is paramount, especially when faced with critical scenarios such as engine failure during cruise. In this article, we will delve into the Standard Strategy outlined in the Flight Crew Training Manual (FCTM) for Airbus, with a specific focus on PR-AEP-ENG page 15/24. This standard strategy involves setting a speed target of M 0.78/300 kt to ensure the aircraft remains within the stabilized windmill engine relight in-flight envelope.
Standard Strategy Overview:
The prescribed speed target of M 0.78/300 kt is carefully chosen to strike a balance between maintaining a safe operational envelope and allowing for optimal engine relight conditions. This strategy ensures that the aircraft is positioned within the parameters necessary for windmill engine relight in the event of an engine failure.
Engine Failure During Cruise:
When an engine failure occurs during cruise and the aircraft is clear of obstacles, the pilot is instructed to initiate a descent to the one engine-out maximum recommended altitude. Once this descent is underway, the pilot is directed to return to the standard strategy of maintaining a speed of 0.78/300 kt.
Key Steps in Engine Failure Management:
1. Initiating Descent:
- In the event of an engine failure, the pilot should promptly initiate a descent to the one engine-out maximum recommended altitude, ensuring clearance from any potential obstacles.
2. Return to Standard Strategy:
- Once clear of obstacles and descending, the pilot is instructed to revert to the standard strategy, which involves maintaining a speed of 0.78/300 kt. This speed setting is crucial for optimizing the windmill engine relight conditions.
3. Establishing Level-Off Altitude:
- After reaching the one engine-out maximum recommended altitude and adhering to the standard strategy, the pilot is tasked with establishing the aircraft at the level-off altitude.
4. Long-Range Cruise Performance Calculation:
- With the aircraft stabilized at the designated level-off altitude, the pilot may proceed to calculate long-range cruise performance with one engine out. This computation is facilitated through the use of the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and its performance application.
5. Autothrust System and Speed Management:
- Throughout the process, the Autothrust (A/THR) system is to be kept engaged, and the speed should be managed in accordance with the 'manage SPD' mode.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Airbus Standard Strategy for Engine Failure During Cruise, as outlined in PR-AEP-ENG page 15/24 of the FCTM, provides a comprehensive and systematic approach for pilots to manage critical situations. Adhering to the specified speed targets and procedures ensures the aircraft remains within safe operational parameters, facilitating the best conditions for engine relight while optimizing long-range cruise performance with one engine out. This strategy exemplifies the commitment to safety and efficiency inherent in Airbus aircraft operations.