A320KNOWLEDGE
Start free Upgrade
Free to read

A320 limitations

The 139 limitations of the Knowledge Trainer's drill, by system, each figure as the FCOM gives it with its reference. Where a figure is for the A320ceo or the A320neo only, it says so.

Start freeThe memory items

Speeds

  • VMOFCOM LIM-AG-SPD · MAXIMUM OPERATING SPEED VMO/MMO
    350 kt
  • MMOFCOM LIM-AG-SPD · MAXIMUM OPERATING SPEED VMO/MMO
    M 0.82
  • VFE, CONF 1 (holding)Flaps lever 1, slats only (A319/A320 table)FCOM LIM-AG-SPD · MAXIMUM FLAPS/SLATS SPEEDS
    230 kt
  • VFE, CONF 1+F (takeoff)FCOM LIM-AG-SPD · MAXIMUM FLAPS/SLATS SPEEDS
    215 kt
  • VFE, CONF 2FCOM LIM-AG-SPD · MAXIMUM FLAPS/SLATS SPEEDS
    200 kt
  • VFE, CONF 3FCOM LIM-AG-SPD · MAXIMUM FLAPS/SLATS SPEEDS
    185 kt
  • VFE, CONF FULLFCOM LIM-AG-SPD · MAXIMUM FLAPS/SLATS SPEEDS
    177 kt
  • VLE (landing gear extended), speedFCOM LIM-AG-SPD · MAXIMUM SPEEDS WITH THE LANDING GEAR EXTENDED
    280 kt
  • VLE (landing gear extended), MachFCOM LIM-AG-SPD · MAXIMUM SPEEDS WITH THE LANDING GEAR EXTENDED
    M 0.67
  • VLO extension, speedMax speed at which the gear may be extendedFCOM LIM-AG-SPD · MAXIMUM SPEEDS WITH THE LANDING GEAR EXTENDED
    250 kt
  • VLO extension, MachFCOM LIM-AG-SPD · MAXIMUM SPEEDS WITH THE LANDING GEAR EXTENDED
    M 0.60
  • VLO retraction, speedMax speed at which the gear may be retractedFCOM LIM-AG-SPD · MAXIMUM SPEEDS WITH THE LANDING GEAR EXTENDED
    220 kt
  • VLO retraction, MachFCOM LIM-AG-SPD · MAXIMUM SPEEDS WITH THE LANDING GEAR EXTENDED
    M 0.54
  • Max speed, cockpit window openFCOM LIM-AG-SPD · COCKPIT WINDOW OPEN MAXIMUM SPEED
    200 kt
  • Max taxi speed in a turn, takeoff weight above 76 000 kgApplies when the takeoff weight is higher than 76 000 kgFCOM LIM-AG-SPD · TAXI SPEED
    20 kt
  • VMCG increase, runway width 30 mRunways narrower than 40 m; no correction when the approved performance application is usedFCOM LIM-AG-SPD · MINIMUM CONTROL SPEEDS ON NARROW RUNWAYS
    +2.5 kt
  • VMCG increase, runway width 35 mNo correction when the approved performance application is usedFCOM LIM-AG-SPD · MINIMUM CONTROL SPEEDS ON NARROW RUNWAYS
    +1.5 kt

Winds & runway

  • Max demonstrated crosswind, takeoff and landingA320ceo · CFM56-5BNot an AFM limitationFCOM LIM-AG-OPS · Operational Parameters
    38 kt (gust included)
  • Max certified crosswind for takeoffA320neo · LEAP-1AAFM limitation: an engine limitationFCOM LIM-AG-OPS
    35 kt (gust included)
  • Max demonstrated crosswind for landingA320neo · LEAP-1ANot an AFM limitationFCOM LIM-AG-OPS
    38 kt (gust included)
  • Max crosswind for engine startA320neo · LEAP-1AFCOM LIM-ENG · CROSSWIND OPERATION ON GROUND
    45 kt
  • Max tailwind for takeoffFCOM LIM-AG-OPS
    15 kt
  • Max tailwind for landingFor autoland, see the autoland wind limitsFCOM LIM-AG-OPS
    15 kt
  • Max runway slope (mean)FCOM LIM-AG-OPS · AIRPORT OPERATIONS AND WIND LIMITATIONS
    ±2 %
  • Nominal runway widthFCOM LIM-AG-OPS
    45 m
  • Minimal runway widthFCOM LIM-AG-OPS
    30 m
  • Max runway (pressure) altitudeA320ceo · CFM56-5BTakeoff and landingFCOM LIM-AG-OPS
    9 200 ft
  • PFC/grooved wet runway landing credit: max runway pressure altitudeFCOM LIM-AG-OPS
    below 4 000 ft
  • Max wind for passenger door operationFCOM LIM-AG-OPS
    65 kt
  • Max wind for FWD/AFT cargo door operation50 kt if the nose is into the wind or the cargo doors are on the leeward sideFCOM LIM-AG-OPS
    40 kt
  • Max wind for cargo door operation, nose into wind or doors leewardFCOM LIM-AG-OPS
    50 kt
  • Cargo doors must be closed before the wind exceedsFCOM LIM-AG-OPS
    65 kt
  • Max recommended crosswind for takeoff, RWYCC 5 (Good: wet, ≤3 mm water/slush/snow, frost)A320ceo · CFM56-5BFCOM LIM-AG-OPS
    38 kt (gust included)
  • Max recommended crosswind for takeoff, RWYCC 5 (Good: wet, ≤3 mm water/slush/snow, frost)A320neo · LEAP-1AFCOM LIM-AG-OPS · Operational Parameters
    35 kt (gust included)
  • Max recommended crosswind for landing, RWYCC 5 (Good)Same in both tablesFCOM LIM-AG-OPS
    38 kt (gust included)
  • Max recommended crosswind, takeoff and landing, RWYCC 4 (Good to Medium: compacted snow at or below -15 °C OAT)FCOM LIM-AG-OPS
    29 kt (gust included)
  • Max recommended crosswind, takeoff and landing, RWYCC 3 (Medium: dry/wet snow >3 mm, compacted snow above -15 °C OAT, slippery wet)FCOM LIM-AG-OPS
    25 kt (gust included)
  • Max recommended crosswind, takeoff and landing, RWYCC 2 (Medium to Poor: standing water or slush >3 mm up to 13 mm)FCOM LIM-AG-OPS
    20 kt (gust included)
  • Max recommended crosswind, takeoff and landing, RWYCC 1 (Poor: ice, cold and dry)FCOM LIM-AG-OPS
    15 kt (gust included)

Weights & loads

  • Max load factor, clean configurationFCOM LIM-AG-F_CTL · FLIGHT MANEUVERING LOAD ACCELERATION LIMITS
    +2.5 g
  • Min load factor, clean configurationFCOM LIM-AG-F_CTL · FLIGHT MANEUVERING LOAD ACCELERATION LIMITS
    -1 g
  • Max load factor, other configurations (slats/flaps extended)FCOM LIM-AG-F_CTL · FLIGHT MANEUVERING LOAD ACCELERATION LIMITS
    +2 g
  • Min load factor, other configurations (slats/flaps extended)FCOM LIM-AG-F_CTL · FLIGHT MANEUVERING LOAD ACCELERATION LIMITS
    0 g
  • Maximum landing weightA320neoA320neo multiple-MTOW table (MTOW per placard: 73 500 / 75 500 / 77 000 / 79 000 kg)FCOM LIM-AG-WGHT · WEIGHT LIMITATIONS
    66 300 kg
  • Maximum zero fuel weightA320neoA320neo multiple-MTOW tableFCOM LIM-AG-WGHT · WEIGHT LIMITATIONS
    62 800 kg
  • Minimum weightA320neoA320neo multiple-MTOW tableFCOM LIM-AG-WGHT · WEIGHT LIMITATIONS
    40 600 kg

Engines

  • EGT limit, takeoff and go-aroundA320ceo · CFM56-5BIncludes TOGA, FLEX and DERATEFCOM LIM-ENG · THRUST SETTING/EGT LIMITS
    950 °C
  • EGT limit, MCTA320ceo · CFM56-5BFCOM LIM-ENG · THRUST SETTING/EGT LIMITS
    915 °C
  • EGT limit, starting (on ground and in flight)A320ceo · CFM56-5BFCOM LIM-ENG · THRUST SETTING/EGT LIMITS
    725 °C
  • EGT limit, takeoff and go-aroundA320neo · LEAP-1AIncludes TOGA, FLEX and DERATEFCOM LIM-ENG · THRUST SETTING/EGT LIMITS
    1 060 °C
  • EGT limit, MCTA320neo · LEAP-1AFCOM LIM-ENG · THRUST SETTING/EGT LIMITS
    1 025 °C
  • EGT limit, starting on groundA320neo · LEAP-1AFCOM LIM-ENG · THRUST SETTING/EGT LIMITS
    750 °C
  • EGT limit, starting in flightA320neo · LEAP-1AFCOM LIM-ENG · THRUST SETTING/EGT LIMITS
    875 °C
  • Max time at takeoff/go-around thrust, all engines operativeSame in both engine tablesFCOM LIM-ENG · THRUST SETTING/EGT LIMITS
    5 min
  • Max time at takeoff/go-around thrust, one engine inoperativeSame in both engine tablesFCOM LIM-ENG · THRUST SETTING/EGT LIMITS
    10 min
  • Maximum N1A320ceo · CFM56-5BFCOM LIM-ENG · SHAFT SPEEDS
    104 %
  • Maximum N2A320ceo · CFM56-5BFCOM LIM-ENG · SHAFT SPEEDS
    105 %
  • Maximum N1A320neo · LEAP-1AFCOM LIM-ENG · SHAFT SPEEDS
    101 %
  • Maximum N2A320neo · LEAP-1AFCOM LIM-ENG · SHAFT SPEEDS
    116.5 %
  • Oil temperature, max continuousSame for both enginesFCOM LIM-ENG · OIL
    140 °C
  • Oil temperature, max transientMax 15 min in the transient range; same for both enginesFCOM LIM-ENG · OIL
    155 °C (15 min)
  • Oil temperature: max time in the transient rangeFCOM LIM-ENG · OIL
    15 min
  • Oil temperature, minimum for startingSame for both enginesFCOM LIM-ENG · OIL
    -40 °C
  • Oil temperature, minimum before takeoffA320ceo · CFM56-5BFCOM LIM-ENG · OIL
    -10 °C
  • Oil temperature, minimum before takeoffA320neo · LEAP-1AFCOM LIM-ENG · OIL
    19 °C
  • Minimum oil quantityA320ceo · CFM56-5BFCOM LIM-ENG · OIL
    9.5 qt + estimated consumption
  • Average estimated oil consumptionA320ceo · CFM56-5BFCOM LIM-ENG · OIL
    0.5 qt/h
  • Minimum oil quantityA320neo · LEAP-1AFCOM LIM-ENG · OIL
    Highest of 10.6 qt, or 8.9 qt + estimated consumption
  • Maximum estimated oil consumptionA320neo · LEAP-1AFCOM LIM-ENG · OIL
    0.45 qt/h
  • Minimum oil pressureA320neo · LEAP-1AFCOM LIM-ENG · OIL
    17.4 PSI
  • Maximum oil pressure, oil temperature above 50 °CA320neo · LEAP-1AFCOM LIM-ENG · OIL
    130.5 PSI
  • Maximum oil pressure, oil temperature below 50 °CA320neo · LEAP-1AFCOM LIM-ENG · OIL
    145 PSI
  • Start attempts in one standard automatic start (one cycle)Same for both enginesFCOM LIM-ENG · STARTER
    Up to 3
  • Starter: pause between successive ground start cyclesA320ceo · CFM56-5BFCOM LIM-ENG · STARTER
    20 s
  • Starter: cooling period required after how many failed cyclesA320ceo · CFM56-5BFCOM LIM-ENG · STARTER
    4 failed cycles (15 min cooling)
  • Starter must not be run when N2 is aboveA320ceo · CFM56-5BFCOM LIM-ENG · STARTER
    20 %
  • Starter: pause between successive ground start cyclesA320neo · LEAP-1AFCOM LIM-ENG · STARTER
    60 s
  • Starter: cooling period required after how many failed cyclesA320neo · LEAP-1AFCOM LIM-ENG · STARTER
    3 failed cycles (15 min cooling)
  • Starter must not be run when N2 is aboveA320neo · LEAP-1AFCOM LIM-ENG · STARTER
    63 %
  • Starter cooling period after the failed start cyclesAfter 4 failed cycles (CFM56-5B) or 3 (LEAP-1A)FCOM LIM-ENG · STARTER
    15 min
  • Max reverse should not be used belowIdle reverse permitted down to aircraft stopFCOM LIM-ENG · REVERSE THRUST
    70 kt

APU

  • Consecutive APU start attempts before a waiting periodFCOM LIM-APU · GENERAL
    3
  • Wait after three consecutive APU start attemptsFCOM LIM-APU · GENERAL
    60 min
  • APU maximum N speedFCOM LIM-APU
    107 %
  • APU max EGT for start, below 35 000 ftAbove 35 000 ft: 1 120 °CFCOM LIM-APU
    1 090 °C
  • APU max EGT for start, above 35 000 ftFCOM LIM-APU
    1 120 °C
  • APU max EGT, runningFCOM LIM-APU
    675 °C
  • APU bleed: max altitude to assist engine startFCOM LIM-APU · AUXILIARY POWER UNIT
    20 000 ft
  • APU bleed: max altitude for air conditioning and pressurisation, single packFCOM LIM-APU · AUXILIARY POWER UNIT
    22 500 ft
  • APU bleed: max altitude for air conditioning and pressurisation, dual packAPU bleed for wing anti-ice is not permittedFCOM LIM-APU · AUXILIARY POWER UNIT
    15 000 ft

Air & pressurisation

  • Max positive differential pressureTolerance ± 7 hPa (0.1 PSI)FCOM LIM-AIR · CABIN PRESSURE
    9.0 PSI
  • Max negative differential pressureFCOM LIM-AIR · CABIN PRESSURE
    -1.0 PSI
  • Safety relief valve settingFCOM LIM-AIR · CABIN PRESSURE
    8.6 PSI
  • Tolerance on max Δp and safety valve settingFCOM LIM-AIR · CABIN PRESSURE
    ± 7 hPa (0.1 PSI)
  • With passengers on board, it is not recommended to exceed this time without air conditioning supplyFCOM LIM-AIR · GENERAL
    20 min
  • Ground operation on aircraft electrical power, normal avionics ventilation: no time limitation up to OATFCOM LIM-AIR · AVIONICS VENTILATION
    49 °C
  • Ground electrical power time limit, avionics ventilation normal, 49 °C < OAT ≤ 55 °CFCOM LIM-AIR · AVIONICS VENTILATION
    2 h
  • Ground electrical power time limit, avionics ventilation normal, 55 °C < OAT ≤ 60 °CFCOM LIM-AIR · AVIONICS VENTILATION
    1 h
  • Ground electrical power time limit, avionics ventilation normal, 60 °C < OAT ≤ 64 °CFCOM LIM-AIR · AVIONICS VENTILATION
    0.5 h

Fuel

  • Minimum fuel quantity for takeoffNo wing tank low level ECAM alert may appear for takeoffFCOM LIM-FUEL · MINIMUM FUEL QUANTITY FOR TAKEOFF
    1 500 kg
  • Minimum fuel temperature, JET A1 / JP8 / N°3 JETSame in both fuel tablesFCOM LIM-FUEL · FUEL TEMPERATURE
    -43 °C
  • Minimum fuel temperature, JET AFCOM LIM-FUEL · FUEL TEMPERATURE
    -36 °C
  • JET A: monitor fuel temperature on the FUEL SD page when TAT reachesFCOM LIM-FUEL · FUEL TEMPERATURE
    -34 °C
  • Max fuel imbalance at takeoff, inner tanks (outer balanced), heavier inner tank fullLinear between table valuesFCOM LIM-FUEL · MAXIMUM ALLOWED FUEL IMBALANCE
    500 kg
  • Max fuel imbalance at takeoff, inner tanks, heavier inner tank 3 000 kgFCOM LIM-FUEL · MAXIMUM ALLOWED FUEL IMBALANCE
    1 050 kg
  • Max fuel imbalance at takeoff, inner tanks, heavier inner tank 1 450 kgFCOM LIM-FUEL · MAXIMUM ALLOWED FUEL IMBALANCE
    1 450 kg
  • Max fuel imbalance at takeoff, outer tanks (inner balanced)FCOM LIM-FUEL · MAXIMUM ALLOWED FUEL IMBALANCE
    370 kg
  • Max fuel imbalance in flight and at landing, inner tanks (outer balanced), heavier inner tank fullLinear between table valuesFCOM LIM-FUEL · MAXIMUM ALLOWED FUEL IMBALANCE
    1 500 kg
  • Max fuel imbalance in flight and at landing, inner tanks, heavier inner tank 4 300 kgFCOM LIM-FUEL · MAXIMUM ALLOWED FUEL IMBALANCE
    1 600 kg
  • In flight and at landing, no inner tank imbalance limitation belowFCOM LIM-FUEL · MAXIMUM ALLOWED FUEL IMBALANCE
    2 250 kg
  • Max fuel imbalance in flight and at landing, outer tanksOne full/one empty allowed under the footnote conditionsFCOM LIM-FUEL · MAXIMUM ALLOWED FUEL IMBALANCE
    690 kg
  • Outer tank imbalance footnote: max difference between inner tank quantitiesFCOM LIM-FUEL · MAXIMUM ALLOWED FUEL IMBALANCE
    3 000 kg

Flight controls

  • Max operating altitude with slats and/or flaps extendedFCOM LIM-F_CTL · MAXIMUM ALTITUDE FLAPS/SLATS EXTENDED
    20 000 ft

Landing gear & brakes

  • Max tyre speed (ground speed)FCOM LIM-AG-SPD · MAXIMUM TIRE SPEED
    195 kt
  • Max brake temperature for takeoff (brake fans off)FCOM LIM-LG · BRAKE TEMPERATURE
    300 °C
  • Max NWS angle, towbarless towing/pushbackFCOM LIM-LG · NOSEWHEEL STEERING (NWS)
    ±85 °
  • Max taxi speed in a turn, max one tyre deflated per gearFCOM LIM-LG · TAXI WITH DEFLATED OR DAMAGED TIRES
    7 kt
  • Max taxi speed, two tyres deflated on the same main gearMaximum one main gearFCOM LIM-LG · TAXI WITH DEFLATED OR DAMAGED TIRES
    3 kt
  • Max NWS angle, taxi with deflated tyresFCOM LIM-LG · TAXI WITH DEFLATED OR DAMAGED TIRES
    30 °

Auto flight

  • AP minimum height at takeoffFCOM LIM-AFS-10 · General
    100 ft AGL (and at least 5 s after liftoff)
  • AP at takeoff: minimum time after liftoffFCOM LIM-AFS-10 · General
    5 s
  • AP minimum height in approach with FINAL APP, V/S or FPAFCOM LIM-AFS-10 · General
    250 ft AGL
  • AP minimum height in circling approach (category C)600 ft AGL for category DFCOM LIM-AFS-10 · General
    500 ft AGL
  • AP minimum height, ILS approach with CAT1 on the FMAFCOM LIM-AFS-10
    160 ft AGL
  • AP minimum height, PAR approachAP/FD in HDG V/S or TRK FPAFCOM LIM-AFS-10
    250 ft AGL
  • AP minimum height after a manual go-aroundFCOM LIM-AFS-10 · General
    100 ft AGL
  • CAT II minimum decision heightAt least one AP in APPR; CAT 2 or CAT 3 SINGLE/DUAL on the FMAFCOM LIM-AFS-20 · ILS CATEGORY II
    100 ft
  • CAT II with manual landing: AP disconnected no later thanFCOM LIM-AFS-20 · ILS CATEGORY II
    80 ft AGL
  • CAT III fail passive (single): minimum decision heightA/THR must be usedFCOM LIM-AFS-20 · ILS CATEGORY III FAIL PASSIVE (SINGLE)
    50 ft
  • CAT III fail operational (dual): alert heightBoth APs in APPR, CAT 3 DUAL on the FMAFCOM LIM-AFS-20 · ILS CATEGORY III FAIL OPERATIONAL (DUAL)
    100 ft
  • CAT III without DH: minimum RVRFCOM LIM-AFS-20 · ILS CATEGORY III FAIL OPERATIONAL (DUAL)
    75 m
  • Engine-out CAT II / CAT III fail passive autoland: engine-out procedures completed beforeFCOM LIM-AFS-20 · ENGINE-OUT
    1 000 ft in approach
  • Max tailwind for autoland (ILS CAT II/III)Surface wind reported by ATC; 10 kt in every autoland wind table of this FCOMFCOM LIM-AFS-20 · Automatic Approach, Landing and Rollout
    10 kt

Ice & rain

  • Icing conditions: OAT (ground/after takeoff) or TAT (in flight) at or belowWith visible moisture, or on contaminated ramps, taxiways or runwaysFCOM LIM-ICE_RAIN · DEFINITION OF ICING CONDITIONS
    10 °C
  • Icing conditions: fog with visibility ofFCOM LIM-ICE_RAIN · DEFINITION OF ICING CONDITIONS
    1 sm (1 600 m) or less
  • Ice accretion is severe at approximatelyFCOM LIM-ICE_RAIN · DEFINITION OF SEVERE ICE ACCRETION
    5 mm (0.2 in) or more
  • Wipers maximum operating speedApplies when the wipers are sweepingFCOM LIM-AG-SPD · WIPERS MAXIMUM OPERATING SPEED
    230 kt

Other

  • BACF results should not be used on runways with an average slope greater thanFCOM LIM-BACF
    1 %
  • Predictive GPWS functions should be inhibited (runway not in database) withinFCOM LIM-SURV · GPWS / PREDICTIVE GPWS 
    15 NM of the airfield

From the FCOM's limitations, every figure checked against the FCOM it comes from. Your aircraft's own FCOM and AFM always come first.

Know the numbers

Sixty seconds, every limit that matters.

The Knowledge Trainer's limitations drill asks them against the clock, four answers each, the wrong ones taken from the other limits of the same kind. It comes with A320 Knowledge+; start free today.

Start free See A320 Knowledge+

For study and revision only. Always follow your operator's approved documentation and procedures. A320 Knowledge is independent and not affiliated with Airbus.

More to read, free