Flight Mode Annunciator (FMA) and other Avionics issues
Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2024 6:41 am
G’Day LVFR team,
Having some issues here with the avionics capabilities for the LVFR A340. I understand that this is not a study level aircraft however, some of these issues, whilst basic in nature are proving to be worrisome.
The first example would be the FMA modes. When I am taxing towards the runway for departure. It should be in CLB | NAV mode which it usually is for the most part. Then all of a sudden, it goes into ROLLOUT mode (which only occurs on landing), with the MCDU going to the APPR page, yet I’ve not even taken-off.
Because of this. I cannot set the appropriate FLEX T.O | SRS | RWY | A/THR Blue setting on the throttle to correlate it with the FMA, because it won’t register on the FMA, and even though I cycle the F/D button multiple times, it won’t let me reset it to exit from ROLLOUT mode, and to go back into T.O mode.
I’ve attached a photo regarding this issue for your reference. I can also provide a link to my twitch stream should you wish to see it live.
Other issues I’ve seen so far to date that I hope has been brought to your attention:
MCDU:
1. The PROG page doesn’t highlight the CRZ | OPT or REC MAX altitudes for each flight.
2. Missing waypoints on STAR approaches into certain airports.
3. Unable to enter Airways into MCDU.
4. Sometimes when trying to enter WPTs into MCDU, it won’t enter in its selected spot. It’ll end up either in 3 or 4 spots before or after where the initial LSK key put was pressed.
TRANSPONDER:
1. Unable to cycle through TA/RA, TA or STBY, or ATC 1 or 2 switches.
MCP/FCU SPD:
1. For some reason. Whilst in Managed SPD in cruise. Even when selected on the CRZ MCDU page, The aircraft will not stick to its assigned managed speed. Unfortunately the FCU SPD switched has to be operated manually during flight in order to maintain appropriate CRZ SPD.
ECAM 1:
1. Seat belt sign annunciator pops on and off, even when the switch is continuously set to on.
2. T.O. Inhibit is still displayed Long after the aircraft is well and truly into its cruise.
OVHD:
1. Left Fuel Tank fuel imbalance. I’ve noticed this on a number of flights where the left inner tank drains itself first, even when all systems are in auto. To my knowledge, this shouldn’t be happening unless there’s a fuel leak, but the only way I’ve been able to resolve this is by switching all the X-Feed pumps on, which is not common procedure with Airbus, especially if the system is in auto.
2. PACKS OFF/ON not simulated. In the event of a packs off take-off for performance, dependent on what the computer calculates. I cannot switch off the packs off to conduct the take-off which makes it hard, especially on an underpowered aircraft on a very hot day.
I know you’re working on investing a lot into making the avionics more palatable in the next update, but I would very much appreciate it if you can also take a look into the above issues as well as build simulated options in the next update such as FIRE P/B TEST for ENG, APU and Cargo as an example.
Overall the exterior and handling of the aircraft is overall quite well done, but the avionics could use a lot of TLC.
Thank you again for your understanding and hopefully you can assist me with the problems I am facing.
Cheers,
Charbel
Having some issues here with the avionics capabilities for the LVFR A340. I understand that this is not a study level aircraft however, some of these issues, whilst basic in nature are proving to be worrisome.
The first example would be the FMA modes. When I am taxing towards the runway for departure. It should be in CLB | NAV mode which it usually is for the most part. Then all of a sudden, it goes into ROLLOUT mode (which only occurs on landing), with the MCDU going to the APPR page, yet I’ve not even taken-off.
Because of this. I cannot set the appropriate FLEX T.O | SRS | RWY | A/THR Blue setting on the throttle to correlate it with the FMA, because it won’t register on the FMA, and even though I cycle the F/D button multiple times, it won’t let me reset it to exit from ROLLOUT mode, and to go back into T.O mode.
I’ve attached a photo regarding this issue for your reference. I can also provide a link to my twitch stream should you wish to see it live.
Other issues I’ve seen so far to date that I hope has been brought to your attention:
MCDU:
1. The PROG page doesn’t highlight the CRZ | OPT or REC MAX altitudes for each flight.
2. Missing waypoints on STAR approaches into certain airports.
3. Unable to enter Airways into MCDU.
4. Sometimes when trying to enter WPTs into MCDU, it won’t enter in its selected spot. It’ll end up either in 3 or 4 spots before or after where the initial LSK key put was pressed.
TRANSPONDER:
1. Unable to cycle through TA/RA, TA or STBY, or ATC 1 or 2 switches.
MCP/FCU SPD:
1. For some reason. Whilst in Managed SPD in cruise. Even when selected on the CRZ MCDU page, The aircraft will not stick to its assigned managed speed. Unfortunately the FCU SPD switched has to be operated manually during flight in order to maintain appropriate CRZ SPD.
ECAM 1:
1. Seat belt sign annunciator pops on and off, even when the switch is continuously set to on.
2. T.O. Inhibit is still displayed Long after the aircraft is well and truly into its cruise.
OVHD:
1. Left Fuel Tank fuel imbalance. I’ve noticed this on a number of flights where the left inner tank drains itself first, even when all systems are in auto. To my knowledge, this shouldn’t be happening unless there’s a fuel leak, but the only way I’ve been able to resolve this is by switching all the X-Feed pumps on, which is not common procedure with Airbus, especially if the system is in auto.
2. PACKS OFF/ON not simulated. In the event of a packs off take-off for performance, dependent on what the computer calculates. I cannot switch off the packs off to conduct the take-off which makes it hard, especially on an underpowered aircraft on a very hot day.
I know you’re working on investing a lot into making the avionics more palatable in the next update, but I would very much appreciate it if you can also take a look into the above issues as well as build simulated options in the next update such as FIRE P/B TEST for ENG, APU and Cargo as an example.
Overall the exterior and handling of the aircraft is overall quite well done, but the avionics could use a lot of TLC.
Thank you again for your understanding and hopefully you can assist me with the problems I am facing.
Cheers,
Charbel