karmutzen wrote:Here's the Localizer DME plate. They were centered on the localizer (Orange light stands embedded in the aircraft prove it) just 100' low of profile. CDA approach is meant that you don't change much at DH, just continue and prepare to decouple and flare. Whole thing should have been flown coupled to the FMS, including the vertical profile.
Alright, most modern aircraft with an FMS would do this in LNAV/VNAN. However, as stated earlier this aircraft doesn't have that capability, bizarre right? The dash 8 I used to fly would have done this basically like an ILS. The 320's, as well as other aircraft in AC's fleet, would likely be in LOC (green needles) and Flight Path Angle. Some LOC approaches have a published decent angle and some do not. If it doesn't you would refer to a nifty little chart that tells you your FPA, distance to runway vs HAT. You hit the faf and set your FPA, then either land or miss. People assume that because this 320 has an FMS it has a GPS or is capable of LPV or RNP approaches. These are OLD planes and most pilatus, Q's, newer king airs, and even some home builds have some sort of Coupled VNAV/LNAV.
What happened? Who knows. The pilots know and soon the TSB, then eventually the public. Well the public if they're still interested by the time the TSB is finished. I mean, maybe Taylor Swift will get caught smoking weed then get pregnant and that will be the news headlines for the next 2 years.
I am glad that everyone lived. This had the potential for major loss of life and I am shocked it turned out the way it did.