A320 Autoland Failures and Downgrades

Hey everyone and welcome back to this A320 Knowledge deep dive.

Split-second decisions define the outcome of an approach, especially in low-visibility conditions. In this article, we'll break down how system failures affect landing decisions, when a go-around is required, and the key rules that every Airbus A320 pilot must follow.

Let's dive right in.

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Understanding the 1,000-Foot Decision Point

One of the most critical thresholds during an approach is 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL). Failures occurring above this altitude generally allow for decision-making, system reconfigurations, and briefings. Below it, the options become much more limited.

• Above 1,000 feet AGL – The approach may continue if:
  • ECAM actions are completed.
  • A revised approach briefing is conducted.
  • The reported Runway Visual Range (RVR) meets the required minima.
• Below 1,000 feet AGL – A go-around is required in most cases, particularly if:
  • There is a red AUTOLAND warning.
  • A system degradation occurs.
  • Sufficient visual references are unavailable.

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Responses to Failures

When a system failure occurs, pilots have three possible responses:

1. Continue the approach to the planned minima.
2. Revert to a higher minima with a new decision height if conditions permit.
3. Execute a go-around to reassess the aircraft's capability.

The correct choice depends on when the failure happens and its impact on aircraft systems.

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Approach Capability Downgrades: What They Mean

Not all failures require abandoning the approach, but they can result in an approach capability downgrade, affecting the required minima and procedures.

There are two categories of failures:

1. Capability Downgrade Failures
   • Triggered by changes in the Flight Mode Annunciator (FMA).
   • Indicated by an ECAM message and a triple-click audio warning.
   • Examples: Loss of an autopilot or a major system degradation.
2. Other Failures Without Downgrade
   • Indicated by flags, ECAM warnings, or amber cautions with associated audio alerts.
   • May not require an immediate go-around, but require assessment.

Downgrading Between Categories

• From CAT III to CAT II – a downgrade is allowed < 1,000 feet AGL if:
  • ECAM actions are completed.
  • RVR meets or exceeds CAT II minima.
  • The approach briefing is updated.
• From CAT II to CAT I – a downgrade is allowed > 1,000 feet AGL if:
  • At least one Flight Director is available.
  • RVR meets CAT I minima.
  • The approach briefing is updated.

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Critical Failures and Their Consequences

Certain failures automatically demand a go-around, particularly when below the alert height. These include:

• Red AUTOLAND warnings below 200 feet – If sufficient visual references are unavailable, a go-around is mandatory.
• Alpha Floor Activation – Indicates a low energy situation and requires an immediate go-around.
• Loss of autopilot below minima – Go-around required unless visual manual landing is assured.
• Nose Wheel Steering or Anti-Skid Failure – Increases required RVR from 75m to 125m.
• ILS Transmitter or Aircraft Receiver Failures – Leads to a loss of precision guidance and requires reassessment of approach feasibility.

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Autoland System and Its Limitations

The A320's Autoland system is a powerful tool but comes with strict operational constraints:

• Below 200 feet AGL, a red AUTOLAND warning requires an immediate go-around if visual references are insufficient.
• The system assumes a worst-case scenario, potentially causing an over-flare that increases landing distance of approximately 300m.
• Alert height for CAT III Dual operations is 100 feet RA, meaning decision-making should be completed before reaching this altitude.

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Handling Failures on Final Approach: Practical Actions for Pilots

To simplify decision-making, pilots should use 1,000 feet AGL as a cutoff:

• If the failure can be resolved and re-briefed before 1,000 feet, the approach may continue.
• If not, or if the crew lacks visual references, a go-around must be executed.

When dealing with system failures during an approach, structured decision-making and proactive management are critical. Below, we expand on key practical actions that can help pilots navigate such scenarios effectively.

1. Use Systematic Decision-Making

A disciplined, methodical approach to assessing failures ensures that pilots make informed decisions while maintaining safety.

How to Apply Systematic Decision-Making

• Assess the Failure Type
  • Identify whether the failure affects the approach capability (e.g., autopilot degradation, instrument failure, or warning indications).
  • Determine if it is a capability downgrade (triggering FMA changes and audio alerts) or a non-downgrade failure (such as a simple ECAM caution).
• Confirm Approach Capability
  • Evaluate the current category of the approach (CAT I, II, or III).
  • Check if the aircraft can continue with an adjusted minima or if a go-around is required.
  • Example: If a downgrade from CAT III to CAT II occurs above 1,000 ft AGL and all ECAM actions are completed, the approach may continue using CAT II minima.
• Update Crew Briefings
  • Any major system change should trigger a re-briefing before continuing the approach.
  • Clearly define roles: Pilot Flying (PF) focuses on flying, while Pilot Monitoring (PM) verifies systems and executes ECAM procedures.
  • If the failure affects landing capability, confirm new minima and decision heights.

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2. Stay Ahead of the Aircraft

Managing configurations and anticipating contingencies prevent last-minute decision-making under pressure.

Proactive Strategies

• Set Clear Decision Points
  • 1,000 ft AGL: Final assessment of approach feasibility.
  • 500 ft AGL: Stabilized approach check—if not stable, execute a go-around.
• Anticipate System Failures
  • Know the potential failure points in an approach and prepare for them.
  • Example: If Autoland is engaged and an autopilot disconnect warning occurs, expect a capability downgrade and be ready to revert to a manual landing or execute a go-around.
• Manage Aircraft Configurations in Advance
  • Ensure the correct landing configuration (flaps, landing gear, and speed) before descending through critical altitudes.
  • Avoid last-minute system switches below 1,000 ft unless absolutely necessary.

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Key Takeaways

• The 1,000-foot rule is the critical decision point—above it, failures can be managed; below it, a go-around is often required.
• Not all failures require abandoning an approach, but many result in approach capability downgrades, which affect minima and required visibility.
• Autoland warnings below 200 feet require an immediate go-around if visual references are insufficient.
• Understanding failure categories and ECAM indications helps pilots make informed, split-second decisions.

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