Pilot Goodies & Top Tips
A growing collection of mnemonics, setup sequences and handling philosophy we teach in the simulator - free for anyone who wants to fly the A320 the way the professionals do.
S.P.I.T.
Scan, Program, Instruments, Takeoff Briefing. The order every pilot works through before a departure. Do it in this sequence and you'll never miss a step.
Scan
Scan the flight deck - switches, breakers, overhead and main panel in their correct, expected positions before anything else.
Program
Program the MCDU - confirm your route, performance data, weights and speeds are all loaded and sensible.
Instruments
Instruments and indications - check FD bars, BARO setting, autobrake, ECAM status and any non-normal messages.
Takeoff Briefing
Brief the takeoff - thrust setting, speeds, flaps, runway, engine-out plan and threat-and-error management.
DIIFRSIPP
The page-by-page order for setting up the Multi-Function Control Display Unit. Remember it with the mnemonic:
"Did I Fancy Rachel's Sister In Puerto Pollenca?"
DATA
Confirm aircraft status, database validity and active database.
INIT A
Enter cost index, cruise FL, temp, tropopause and wind.
INIT B
Enter ZFW and ZFWCG to generate gross weight predictions.
F-PLN
Build and verify the lateral and vertical flight plan.
RAD NAV
Tune navaids, arrivals, runways and check bearings.
SEC F-PLN
Prepare the secondary flight plan for contingencies.
IRS
Check IRS alignment, position and navaid raw data.
PROG
Review progress data, fuel checks and predictions at waypoints.
PERF
Confirm takeoff performance, flex temp, speeds and thrust reduction.
Descent management & calculation - top tips
Three quick rules that keep you on profile, on energy and on time.
Know your Top of Descent
Use the rule of three: distance to run × 3 = altitude to lose (in thousands of feet). Add a buffer for wind and speedbrake.
Manage your energy early
Start configuring in good time. Aiming for clean speed at TOD and gear down around 1,000 ft AGL keeps you ahead, not chasing.
Use the PROG page
Check predictions against your planned profile at every waypoint. If you're high, act early - speedbrake, reduce speed or extend.
Demand, Achieve, Leave
The core principle of Airbus fly-by-wire handling. It's not about holding pressure - it's about commanding a change, letting the aircraft achieve it, and then releasing.
Demand
Make a smooth, deliberate input on the sidestick to command the change you want - pitch or roll.
Achieve
Hold the input until the aircraft achieves the attitude or trajectory you commanded. Don't release early.
Leave
Once the aircraft is where you want it, release the back/side pressure and let it fly itself. The flight control laws do the trimming.
The takeaway: Once the aircraft is where you want it, let go. The flight control laws hold the attitude and trim for you. Holding the stick is how you end up fighting the aircraft.