A320 Flight Director (FD)

In this video we explain the Airbus A320 Flight Director (FD) system. We elaborate on the modes of operation, the flight director symbols as well as make a clear picture of flight path angle (FPA) vs. flight path vector (FPV). We also distinguish between pitch angle and flight path angle and show the interaction with the FCU and PFD displays.
This channel shares professional aviation knowledge from the MindSpaceX Aviation e-learning platform. MindSpaceX Aviation is the aviation branch of MindSpaceX which delivers learning content to professional pilots around the world. MindSpaceX Aviation focus on EASA compliant ATPL theory as well as type specific theory for common type ratings. We have hundreds of videos available together with extensive question banks for exam preparation and free downloadable multimedia such as posters, guides etc.
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[@ifcwlme]

voice volume too low

[@clutchtucker]

Why would you ever turn the FD off but keep the LS on? Asking because I've seen a lot of pilots do it

[@MindSpaceXAviation]

Very good you ask. The LS function is not a guidance function like the FD. Pushing the LS pb. only “shows” the vertical and horizontal deviation bars on the respective PFD. The guidance, when the aircraft follows the localizer/GS, is armed and activated through the APPR or LOC pb.
So if we want to fly an ILS approach without the use of automation, we call it ‘raw data approach’, we would turn the FD’s OFF and ensure the LS is ON. Otherwise we wouldn’t be able to see the deviation bars on the screen.

[@clutchtucker]

And I'm assuming doing an "raw data approach" isn't during normal ops, right? Thanks for explaining!@@MindSpaceXAviation

[@clutchtucker]

Also, could you please make a video showing how to make sure you have the correct climb gradient for departures and arrival? Some arrival plates have specific minimums for specific climb gradients, and as a flight simmer I'm unable to use some professional program.@@MindSpaceXAviation