GROUND SPOILER CONTROL (DSC-27-10-20 P 7/12)

As an Airbus professional pilot, understanding the intricate details of ground spoiler control is crucial for ensuring safe and efficient landings. Ground spoilers play a pivotal role in decelerating the aircraft upon touchdown, contributing to both safety and comfort for passengers and crew. Let's delve into the specifics of full and partial extension scenarios and their operational implications.

 

Full Extension - Landing Phase

During the landing phase, the automatic extension of ground spoilers occurs under specific conditions. The ground spoilers will deploy fully when either of the following criteria is met:

1. The speed brake lever is not in the retracted position, or the ground spoilers are armed, and:
   • Both main landing gears are on the ground.
   • Both thrust levers are at or below the Idle position, or Reverse thrust is selected on at least one engine (with the other thrust lever below MCT position).
2. The speed brake lever is in the retracted position, but the ground spoilers are not armed, and:
   • Both main landing gears are on the ground.
   • Reverse thrust is selected on at least one engine (with the other thrust lever below MCT position).

Additionally, full extension of ailerons (Aileron Anti Droop) occurs provided one aileron servocontrol is available on each side under the following conditions:

• The ground spoilers are fully extended.
• Flaps are not in clean CONF.
• Pitch attitude is lower than 2.5°.
• Flying manually.
• In normal law only.

Partial Extension

In certain scenarios, a partial extension of ground spoilers is warranted to enhance operational efficiency and safety measures:

1. Phased Lift Dumping (PLD) Function: To expedite the spoiler extension process, PLD allows for reduced deflection of ground spoilers when:
   • The speed brake lever is not in the retracted position, or the ground spoilers are armed, and:
     • One main landing gear is on the ground.
     • Both thrust levers are at or below the Idle position.
   • The speed brake lever is in the retracted position, but the ground spoilers are not armed, and:
     • One main landing gear is on the ground.
     • Reverse thrust is selected on at least one engine (with the other thrust lever below MCT position).
2. Bounce Severity Reduction: Partial deployment of ground spoilers is also initiated to mitigate bounce severity during landing if:
   • Ground spoilers are armed.
   • Both main landing gears are on the ground.
   • Both thrust levers are at or below the Climb position.

These measures are designed to optimize landing performance, minimize the risk of bounce occurrences, and ensure smooth deceleration upon touchdown. Pilots must be thoroughly trained to understand and execute these protocols effectively, enhancing overall flight safety and passenger experience.

 

In essence, mastering the nuances of ground spoiler control is indispensable for Airbus pilots, as it directly influences the success of landing operations and contributes to the overarching goal of aviation safety and efficiency.