C of G problems A320neo

[Guest]

Center Of Gravity Concerns Lead To Lufthansa Pulling Last Economy Row On A320neo

https://simpleflying.com/lufthansa-a320-cog-economy/

German flag carrier Lufthansa has stopped selling the last row of seats in its Airbus A320neos due to concerns over the aircraft’s center-of-gravity limitations.

 

This move comes after Lufthansa pilots were reportedly given an internal memo that suggested blocking off the last row of seats. This is seen as a makeshift measure following an airworthiness directive from EASA, according to Air Transport World.

EASA finds center of gravity issues on the A320neo

Following concerns regarding the center of gravity issues with the A321neo, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has uncovered a similar problem with the A320neo.

 

After a series of tests, the A320neo is susceptible to angle-of-attack protection weakness. Under certain conditions and maneuvers, the aircraft’s aileron, elevator, and the elevator and aileron computer (ELAC) software compensator showed a defect.

For the problem to occur two things must first happen: The A320neo must be set up for landing with a center of gravity near its limit at the rear of the aircraft. It then takes a sudden maneuver like an aborted landing to cause the nose of the aircraft to rear up more than it normally would in a go-around situation.

Normally under these conditions, ELAC would automatically correct the angle of attack to compensate, but it does not. Meanwhile, the pilot of the A320neo can correct the angle of rotation and reduce the pitch angle without any problems. 

 

At no time on the A320neo does the computer override the actions of the pilot flying the plane. This is in direct contrast to the Boeing 737 MAX and its MCAS anti-stall prevention system that inhibits a pilot’s intervention during an excessive pitch-up situation.

Airbus has updated the A320neo flight manual

This new finding comes on the back of a similar excessive pitch anomaly that occurs under the same circumstances with the A321neo. 

The Airworthiness Directive (AD), issued by the EASA and published by HMGaerospace reads:

“Reduced efficiency of the A320neo AOA protection under certain flight conditions, and in combination with specific command maneuvers from the flight crew, could lead to excessive pitch attitudes, possibly increasing cockpit workload conditions.

“This potentially unsafe condition, although never encountered during operations, was discovered during analysis and laboratory testing of the A320neo flight control laws.”

Airbus has contacted airlines flying the A320neo and has updated the aircraft’s flight manual with revisions to the center-of-gravity. The manufacturer has also provided new load recommendations.

According to Aviation Week, senior executives at Lufthansa say the center of gravity issue only relates to A320neos and A321neos that have been fitted out with Space Flex cabins. 

What are Space Flex cabins?

Designed to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility aboard single-aisle Airbus aircraft the Space-Flex is a new galley and toilet set-up that takes advantage of previously unused space.  

 

German flag carrier Lufthansa has stopped selling the last row of seats in its Airbus A320neos due to concerns over the aircraft’s center-of-gravity limitations.

Lufthansa has stopped passengers from sitting in the last row. Photo: Airbus

This move comes after Lufthansa pilots were reportedly given an internal memo that suggested blocking off the last row of seats. This is seen as a makeshift measure following an airworthiness directive from EASA, according to Air Transport World.

EASA finds center of gravity issues on the A320neo

Following concerns regarding the center of gravity issues with the A321neo, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has uncovered a similar problem with the A320neo.

 

After a series of tests, the A320neo is susceptible to angle-of-attack protection weakness. Under certain conditions and maneuvers, the aircraft’s aileron, elevator, and the elevator and aileron computer (ELAC) software compensator showed a defect.

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For the problem to occur two things must first happen: The A320neo must be set up for landing with a center of gravity near its limit at the rear of the aircraft. It then takes a sudden maneuver like an aborted landing to cause the nose of the aircraft to rear up more than it normally would in a go-around situation.

The issue would only occur in a go-around situation. Photo: TJDarmstadt via Flickr

Normally under these conditions, ELAC would automatically correct the angle of attack to compensate, but it does not. Meanwhile, the pilot of the A320neo can correct the angle of rotation and reduce the pitch angle without any problems. 

 

At no time on the A320neo does the computer override the actions of the pilot flying the plane. This is in direct contrast to the Boeing 737 MAX and its MCAS anti-stall prevention system that inhibits a pilot’s intervention during an excessive pitch-up situation.

Airbus has updated the A320neo flight manual

This new finding comes on the back of a similar excessive pitch anomaly that occurs under the same circumstances with the A321neo.

A380 News: Air France Announces A380 Retirement Plans

 

Airbus has updated the aircraft’s flight manual. Photo: Lufthansa

The Airworthiness Directive (AD), issued by the EASA and published by HMGaerospace reads:

“Reduced efficiency of the A320neo AOA protection under certain flight conditions, and in combination with specific command maneuvers from the flight crew, could lead to excessive pitch attitudes, possibly increasing cockpit workload conditions.

“This potentially unsafe condition, although never encountered during operations, was discovered during analysis and laboratory testing of the A320neo flight control laws.”

Airbus has contacted airlines flying the A320neo and has updated the aircraft’s flight manual with revisions to the center-of-gravity. The manufacturer has also provided new load recommendations.

According to Aviation Week, senior executives at Lufthansa say the center of gravity issue only relates to A320neos and A321neos that have been fitted out with Space Flex cabins.

A380 News: Air France Announces A380 Retirement Plans

 

What are Space Flex cabins?

Designed to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility aboard single-aisle Airbus aircraft the Space-Flex is a new galley and toilet set-up that takes advantage of previously unused space.

The new configuration can also accommodate six more seats or provide additional space for passenger comfort. With enough room for airlines to customize their galleys to their meal and drink requirements, the real innovation can be found in the lavatories. Now passengers in wheelchairs have enough room to maneuver and can transfer from their chair to a sideways positioned toilet. 

With EASA not issuing a critical directive, airlines are allowed to still fly the A320neo and are taking steps to temporarily address the problem until Airbus comes up with a solution.

[conehead]

So... couldn’t this be addressed with new ELAC software?

[boestar]

Oh no not software to fix an instability problem.  Isn't that scary?  We should never do that.

/end Sarcasm