The pilot initiates a descent (e.g., 1,000 to 1,500 feet per minute) while maintaining a target speed. This requires a precise reduction in thrust (if manual) or monitoring the A-THR response, adjusting the pitch attitude down slightly.
These training sequences are vital milestones during an Airbus type rating, simulator check-ride, or airline pre-employment assessment. They bridges the gap between basic instrument flying and the highly automated "fly-by-wire" philosophy unique to Airbus aircraft. Core Objectives of the Sierra Pattern
Even senior First Officers botch the Sierra Pattern in the simulator. Here’s what to avoid: sierra pattern a320
Mastering the A320 is not about reading the manual from cover to cover. It's about . Here is a suggested study pattern that uses the resources and philosophy discussed:
Because the A320 uses an autotrim fly-by-wire system, the aircraft maintains whatever flight path vector the pilot sets. By setting the exact target values below, the aircraft will naturally settle into stable flight phases without airspeed decay or ballooning. Flight Phase / Configuration Target Speed Target Pitch Attitude Approximate Thrust ( N1cap N sub 1 (Level Flight) Green Dot Speed 4.5∘4.5 raised to the composed with power N1cap N sub 1 CONFIG 1 / Flaps 1 (Downwind) 5.0∘5.0 raised to the composed with power N1cap N sub 1 CONFIG 2 / Flaps 2 (Base Leg) 4.0∘4.0 raised to the composed with power N1cap N sub 1 CONFIG FULL ( 3∘3 raised to the composed with power Final Descent) VAPPcap V sub cap A cap P cap P end-sub 2.5∘2.5 raised to the composed with power N1cap N sub 1 Crucial Operational Rules for Touch-and-Go Training The pilot initiates a descent (e
In a commercial environment, pilots rely on "Managed Speed," where the Flight Management Guidance Computer (FMGC) calculates optimal velocities. In a Sierra Pattern, the pilot shifts to by pulling the speed knob on the Flight Control Unit (FCU). This manually forces the autothrust system to aggressively reduce power, allowing the pilot to force the aircraft down and slow it down simultaneously without triggering automated low-speed protection profiles prematurely. Tactical Advantages of the Sierra Pattern Description Reduced Vulnerability
A typical Sierra pattern report includes specific values for the A320 based on its weight and configuration. While these vary by airline SOP (Standard Operating Procedure), the common "Sierra" baseline values are often as follows: Flight Phase Configuration Pitch Angle Thrust (N1/EPR) ~ 15∘15 raised to the composed with power TOGA / FLX Level Flight Clean (Green Dot speed) ~ 5∘5 raised to the composed with power Approach (Downwind) Flaps 1 (S speed) ~ 5∘5 raised to the composed with power ~50-55% N1 Final Approach Flaps FULL / Gear Down ~ 2.5∘2.5 raised to the composed with power ~55-60% N1 3. Traffic Pattern Execution They bridges the gap between basic instrument flying
Unlike a standard traffic pattern, which prepares pilots for landing, the Sierra Pattern is a proficiency maneuver. It is typically conducted in a Full Flight Simulator (FFS) during Type Rating training, Line Oriented Flight Training (LOFT), or recurrent proficiency checks. The primary objectives of the maneuver are:
While specific airlines vary their exact layouts, a baseline dictates a highly structured geometric flight loop consisting of precise timed intervals and configuration sweeps. 1. Baseline Stabilization (Clean Configuration)
The Sierra patterns are standardized tables provided to pilots (often during type ratings or advanced training) to help them quickly set the aircraft for a specific target without over-relying on automated Flight Director (FD) cues.
Uses structural G-loading in the turns to slow down a highly aerodynamic airliner.