The A320 was designed as a "fly-by-wire" machine with layers of envelope protection. The Sierra pattern exploits this automation to reduce pilot workload during a high-stress event. Consider a low-visibility CAT III approach at London Heathrow (EGLL) or Frankfurt (EDDF). If a go-around is called at 50 feet, the pilot’s visual reference may be zero.
Pro Tip: Practice a "Windy Sierra Pattern." Crosswinds can push you off the magenta line. Do not hand-fly aggressively; let the autopilot (if engaged) or FD guide you.
The FMS uses a 3D predictive algorithm. For a given waypoint (WPT B) with a constraint AT OR BELOW 10000 : sierra pattern a320
Even with automation, the Sierra Pattern is a source of errors. Here are the top three mistakes A320 pilots make:
. It is primarily used during simulator training and type ratings to build "seat-of-the-pants" flying skills without the aid of the autopilot or flight director Overview of the Sierra Pattern The pattern is essentially a series of climbing and descending turns The A320 was designed as a "fly-by-wire" machine
: Deploy flaps to Stage 1 or 2 while initiating a turn. The pilot must compensate for the ballooning effect and change in drag by adjusting pitch and thrust Simulated Approaches
Select Flaps 3, followed immediately by Flaps Full (if a Flaps Full landing is planned). Select the final descent angle or vertical speed on the Flight Control Unit (FCU). Stabilized Approach Criteria If a go-around is called at 50 feet,
Select Flaps 2, command landing gear down, and arm the ground spoilers. Lowering the gear adds significant aerodynamic drag, helping the aircraft decelerate while maintaining a descent profile. 4. The Final Approach Fix (FAF) Cross
: It builds the "muscle memory" needed to lead turns and level-offs so that every movement is smooth and professional.
Because the pattern requires rapid, simultaneous management of time, airspeed, configuration, and altitude, it forces the pilot to build a highly efficient cross-check scan.
: Transitions between climbing and descending must be started approximately 100 feet before reaching the target altitude to ensure smooth level-offs or reversals. Application in A320 Training