What happens when a modern Airbus has a A/T failure and automated throttle control isn't possible? It seems like having a gated throttle that is only designed for digital computer control leaves no way for pilot-controlled speed. Am I wrong?Are there any other systems that can fail on the Airbus that don't give the pilot any control as on other aircraft?Thanks,Chris

Chris,Look at a pic of the A320 throttle quadrant. There is a space between the first gate and the far aft end of the throttle's range of movement. That is how the pilot manually controls speed. I think that in that range of movement the engines can be commanded to 0% to 100%. Then you hit the first gate and the computer takes over. At least, I think so ;)

Yeah, I've often wondered. It seems like they don't have any control over this? I'll take a look on the net. I don't use them in FS9, at least right now.Chris

<Well, the electronic 'fly by wire' system leaps to mind... with no yoke, if the computer system(s) that interpret inputs from the stick and converts them to surface movements fails then "No flames" becomes just something you can pray for :-)Richard

The Airbus can be flown in three modes: Normal law, alterate law, and direct law.In normal law, the fly-by-wire system interprets the commanded inputs from the sidestick and calculates the optimal control surface configuration to achieve the desired result. Alternate law does the same thing but removes the maximum bank angle and pitch angle constraints. Direct law allows the pilot full control of the aircraft. The same applies with the throttle.When the throttle is anywhere within the A-THR range (between the idle and cl gates) and the A-THR button is lighted, the aircraft controls the thrust according the phase of the flight plan. If the A-THR button is not lighted, the thrust becomes linear and the pilot has full control of the thrust from the throttle.Ultimately, if necessary, the pilot can have full control of an Airbus aircraft. It is extremely rare that this should ever happen, though.James

Cool, thanks for the replies. Just a couple of musings I had.Chris