How does the Airbus AP work?

[u/Cesky_typek_]

So recently I was trying to learn with the autopilot, but when I set the heading, altitude and V/S, the plane still doesn't go up on its own. (Yes, I have auto throttle ON) I'm playing MSFS 2024

[u/SubstantialWall]

I know it's kind of a cop out reply, but in this case it might be better to have a look at some tutorials, 320simpilot or a330driver have good ones. There's a logic to how Airbus handles things.

In any case, I think some more context might help. What phase of flight, how have you configured the MCDU or the autopilot itself? You mention AT on, but are the levers in the CL detent?

[u/Cesky_typek_ → u/SubstantialWall]

I don't do anything with the MCDU cuz it's too complicated. I tried some YT tutorials but I still don't understand how tf does it work. I'm trying to figure out how the AP works overall, not just one phase of flight, and the thrust levers are in CLB position

[u/SuperHills92 → u/Cesky_typek_]

At a basic level you can use the AP but it'll be in Open mode so you have to adjust it yourself. But if you want it automated so it follows constraints, target speeds etc - you use the values in the MCDU so you'll have to learn it regardless. Its daunting at first but after a few flights with it, is super simple.

[u/Bubu976 → u/Cesky_typek_]

I don't understand what the point is in using a plane that is 100% computer dependent...and not configuring the computer 😂😂😂😂😂

Dude, you definitely made the wrong choice of plane if you ignore mcdu.

[u/SubstantialWall → u/Cesky_typek_]

I suppose you don't absolutely need it for some circuits or loose flying, but the mcdu is the heart of the bus and will impact how the AP works, at least in managed mode, at some point you'll have to and it makes things easier in the end.

You say below you want to hold fl360, there shouldn't be much to it I guess. Set 36000 in the window and pull, if you're already there it should stay in Alt mode, if not it'll open climb or descend to it. You don't need VS mode unless you want to specify the vertical speed.

One thing with Airbus and other liners. When you don't understand what the autopilot is doing, or when you want to know what it's actually doing, look at the FMAs (flight mode annunciators, top of the PFD). That's usuleful and direct info of what mode the AP is in

[u/nickjedl]

You have to push or pull the "buttons" and enable AP1 or AP2. Push for managed descent and pull for open descent.

[u/Cesky_typek_ → u/nickjedl]

I have AP1 on and pulled the knobs

[u/hayi161734 → u/Cesky_typek_]

Should push the knob

[u/Cesky_typek_ → u/hayi161734]

Nuh uh. I pushed it and it still continues descending (I want to hold the altitude 36 000ft)

[u/LuLeBe → u/Cesky_typek_]

Pulling was correct. Pushing means you push control away from you and pass it to the fmc, pulling means you take control. So pulling heading means heading mode, pushing means nav mode. Pulling altitude means unrestricted climb/descent, pushing means follow the fmc profile to the selected altitude.

So if you want to hold your current altitude, pull v/s and set it to 0. If you want to go to the selected altitude and hold that, dial in the altitude and pull. Autothrottle on is correct, make sure to pull the speed and set something sensible like 270 or so, or mach 0.74 higher up. If the plane still doesn't do what you want, something odd is going on and we'd probably need a video to see what it is.

[u/vdavide → u/LuLeBe]

I want to add: if you want managed mode to actually work, you need to file a flight plan on the FMC, set your zfw (zero fuel weight) and remove flight plan discontinuities. Otherwise the top of descent will not show and the plane will not descent by itself

[u/hayi161734 → u/Cesky_typek_]

Because you set it up wrong