: If the flight directors (the guidance needles) ever fail, a pilot needs to know exactly what pitch and thrust will keep the plane flying safely. Anticipation
In short: Echo is manual; Sierra is managed. sierra pattern a320
: A standard A320 is built to last roughly 60,000 flight hours or 20,000 pressurization cycles. : If the flight directors (the guidance needles)
When you call "Going around, Sierra Pattern" (or simply "Go-around" if it's standard procedure), ATC expects specific spacing. When you call "Going around, Sierra Pattern" (or
| Letter | Meaning | | :--- | :--- | | | Speed – SRS holds V2 | | I | Immediate – Engages at TO/GA detent | | E | Elevation – SRS stops at 1500’ AAL | | R | Retard – No thrust reduction until CLB detent | | R | Runway track – GA TRK follows initial path | | A | Accelerate – Only after SRS terminates |
Eventually, the Sierra Pattern leads to a holding fix. Once in the hold, the pilot can reprogram the MCDU (Multipurpose Control Display Unit) for a second approach or divert.