EASA SIB 2008-10
Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Standard Operating Procedures - Ground Spoilers do not Deploy Automatically After Landing
Summary
EASA Safety Information Notice No. 2008-10 is a safety information notice addressing the Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aircraft. It highlights an issue where ground spoilers do not deploy automatically after landing if one throttle lever remains above idle, which can inhibit autobrake activation and contribute to landing overruns. The document provides updated standard operating procedures to mitigate this risk.
What Changed
This notice introduces a temporary revision to the Airbus Flight Crew Operating Manual (FCOM) that emphasizes the correct throttle lever positioning during landing to ensure ground spoilers deploy automatically. It specifies that autothrust disconnects when both thrust levers are set to idle, and if ground spoilers fail to deploy, pilots must manually set thrust levers to reverse maximum and apply brakes fully. The revision also expands landing procedures to include checks and actions related to ground spoilers and autobrake functionality.
Why It Matters
This update is critical for flight crews and operators because improper throttle lever positioning can prevent ground spoilers from deploying, disabling autobrake and increasing the risk of runway overruns. Ensuring compliance with the revised procedures enhances landing safety and reduces accident risk. Maintenance and compliance teams must also be aware to support training and operational changes.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aircraft should incorporate the FCOM Temporary Revision No. 137-1 into their operating procedures immediately. National Aviation Authorities are recommended to mandate this update and ensure flight crews are promptly notified and trained on the changes. The revision pages must be filed into the aircraft manuals as instructed, and the procedures must be adopted as soon as practical.
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