Hello!

I flew an RNAV approach into Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic today in the Fenix A320. Most destinations I fly to have ILS so I would just use that, this was one of the first times I've flown an RNAV approach in the Airbus.

It all went well and I was aided by the L/DEV and V/DEV bars on the PFD in place of the usual ILS indications, with the AP/FD in APPR mode. The airframe I was using didn't have FLS (this wasn't enabled in the EFB). If I'd have turned it on or used one with FLS, what would the difference have been - what would it have been able to do that one without it couldn't on an RNAV approach?

Thanks!

Edited October 20, 20241 yr by Tom Wright

31 minutes ago, Tom Wright said:

what would it have been able to do that one without it couldn't on an RNAV approach?

On top my head, FLS is unable to fly curved approaches (RNP-AR).

FLS vs FINAL APP (RNAV approach) modes, you would still use "LNAV/VNAV" minimas on the approach plate for both types of approaches

Also, FLS is an pseudo glide slope calculated by the FMS, if it works the same way as the G1000, terrain/obstacle clearance is not accounted for. But dont quote me on that.

Slightly OT: The newer LPV types of approaches (SLS in the Airbus?) will allow you to use said LPV minimas instead since position accuracy is improved via SBAS ground stations.

Edited October 20, 20241 yr by SAS443

1 minute ago, SAS443 said:

 

Disregard.

Mods please delete this post:)

Edited October 20, 20241 yr by SAS443