A320/A321 Abnormal and Emergency Procedures: Smoke/Fumes/AVNCS Smoke

Study Guide

This study guide covers the procedures for handling smoke, fumes, and AVNCS (Avionics) smoke in the A320/A321 aircraft as outlined in the provided Vietnam Airlines Flight Crew Operating Manual (FCOM), Flight Crew Techniques Manual (FCTM), and Quick Reference Handbook (QRH).

I. General Principles and Philosophy

Risk Assessment: Smoke/fumes in the fuselage can lead to hazardous situations and panic. Timely control of the source and immediate diversion are crucial.
Procedure Application:Applies to all situations where smoke/fumes are detected by an ECAM alert or by the crew.
Crew refers to QRH [QRH] SMOKE / FUMES / AVNCS SMOKE procedure.
If AVNCS SMOKE alert is active, crew refers directly to [QRH] SMOKE / FUMES / AVNCS SMOKE.
If smoke/fumes are perceptible and confirmed visually or by smell, apply the procedure.
If smoke/fumes are not perceptible, but an AVNCS SMOKE alert is active, the crew should consider it spurious and stop the AVNCS SMOKE procedure.
If another ECAM smoke alert (e.g., LAVATORY SMOKE) is triggered, the crew must apply the ECAM procedure.
If there's any doubt about the smoke/fumes origin, refer to [QRH] SMOKE / FUMES / AVNCS SMOKE.
Global Philosophy (QRH SMOKE / FUMES / AVNCS SMOKE):Diversion to be anticipated.
Immediate actions.
Smoke/fumes source not immediately isolated: Diversion initiation.
Smoke/fumes origin identification and fighting.
If smoke/fumes become the greatest threat, the boxed items will be completed.

II. Smoke/Fumes Detection and Initial Crew Actions

Detection Triggers:Perceptible smoke/fumes by flight (cabin) crew (visual or smell).
AVIONICS SMOKE alert triggered.
Other ECAM smoke alerts (e.g., CARGO, LAVATORY, AVIONICS).
Perceptible Smoke/Fumes (Immediate Actions - "LAND ASAP" Philosophy):Crew OXY MASK / GOGGLE (if required).
VENTILATION BLOWER (OVRD).
VENTILATION EXTRACT (OVRD).
Ensure continuous use of interphone to minimize interference from oxygen mask breathing noise.
Turn emergency knob to remove condensation or smoke/fumes from the mask.
CAB FANS (OFF).
GALY & CAB (OFF).
SIGNS (ON).
CKPT / CABIN COM (ESTABLISH).
Coordinate with cabin crew on smoke/fumes origin and dissipation.
Objectives of Immediate Actions:Flight crew protection.
Avoiding further contamination of cockpit/cabin.
Communication with cabin crew.

III. Smoke/Fumes Source Identification and Isolation

Process: After immediate actions and if the source is not immediately identified and isolated, initiate diversion before identification and isolation.
Isolation Steps:If smoke source immediately obvious, accessible, and extinguishable: ISOLATE (e.g., faulty equipment).
If smoke source not immediately isolated: INITIATE DIVERSION, DESCENT TO FL 100 / MEA-MORA.
Guidelines for Determining Smoke/Fumes Source:Air Conditioning Smoke (ventilations outlets): Suspect AIR COND SMOKE. ECAM procedures will be triggered (cargo, lavatory, avionics).
Engine/APU Failure (bleed system): Smoke/fumes may come from faulty item via bleed system and be perceived in cockpit/cabin. Recirculated throughout aircraft until it clears from AC system.
AVIONICS SMOKE Alert: Suspect avionics smoke.
Faulty Equipment: If smoke/fumes detected while an equipment is declared faulty, suspect that equipment.
Avionics or Forward Galley Smoke/Fumes: May be smelt or trigger ECAM alert.
Odor Description vs. Suspected Cause (from FCTM):Acrid: Electrical Equipment/IFE, Engine Oil Leak
Burning: Electrical Equipment, Galley Equipment, Bird Ingestion
Chemical: Contaminated Bleed Ducts, APU Ingestion
Chlorine: Smoke Hood, Blocked Door Area Drain
Electrical: Electrical Equipment
Dirty Socks: APU or Engine Oil Leaks
Fuel: Lavatories, APU Oil/Fuel Line
Oil: Engine or APU Oil Leak
Skydrol: Engine Hydraulic
Sulphur: Wiring, Avionics Filter Water Contamination, Light Bulb

IV. Boxed Items and Advanced Procedures

"At any time of the procedure, if SMOKE / FUMES becomes the GREATEST THREAT":Removal of Smoke / Fumes: CONSIDER [QRH] REMOVAL OF SMOKE / FUMES.
Elec Emer Config: CONSIDER [QRH] SMOKE / FUMES / AVNCS SMOKE - ELEC EMER CONFIG.
Immediate Landing: CONSIDER (if situation becomes UNMANAGEABLE).
Elec Emer Config (Electrical Emergency Configuration):Triggered by AVIONICS SMOKE detection in avionic compartment (ECAM may display specific procedure).
Purpose: Not to restore generators but to remain in electrical emergency configuration and restore generators before landing.
Procedure applies even if requested by ECAM (do not reset GEN).
Involves setting specific generator and electrical bus tie contactor positions.
If AVIONICS SMOKE not triggered: Restore all generators 3 min before landing or 2000 ft AAL to recover normal braking, minimizing possible smoke source reactivation.
If AVIONICS SMOKE triggered: ECAM displays specific ELEC EMER CONFIG procedure. Minimum RAT speed 140 KT. Electrical configuration similar to loss of both generators.
STATUS page (when applicable) will show: MIN RAT SPEED, MAX SPEED, MAX BRK PR, FOR LDG (FLAPS LVR 3), APPR SPD (VREF +10 KT), LDG DIST PROC (APPLY), ENG 1+2 APPR IDLE ONLY, ALTN LAW: PROT LOST, WHEN L/G DN: DIRECT LAW, FUEL CONSUMPT INCRSD, FMS PRED UNRELIABLE, SLATS/FLAPS SLOW.
After recovery of normal electrical supply: MAX SPEED, APPR SPD (VREF +15 KT), LDG DIST PROC (APPLY).
Removal of Smoke / Fumes Procedure (ABN-27):Applicable when smoke/fumes become the greatest threat.
Involves actions like: EMER EXIT LIGHT (ON), CAB FANS (ON/OFF depending on fuel vapors), PACKS (OFF/ON depending on fuel vapors), CABIN PRESS MODE SEL (MAN), MAN V/S CTL (FULL UP), RAM AIR (ON), APU MASTER sw (OFF).
If smoke/fumes persist: MAX SPEED 200 kt, COCKPIT DOOR (OPEN), HEADSETS (ON), PM SLIDING WINDOW (OPEN).

V. Coordination with Cabin Crew

Essential element in smoke/fumes situations.
Inform cabin crew of density of smoke/fumes and severity of the situation.

VI. Diversion and Landing Considerations

Anticipate Diversion: Integral part of the global philosophy.
Initiate Diversion: If smoke source not immediately isolated.
Descent: To FL 100 / MEA-MORA during diversion.
Immediate Landing: Consider if the situation becomes unmanageable.
Overweight Landing/Tailwind Landing/Ditching/Forced Landing: Captain to consider based on the situation.

Quiz: Smoke/Fumes/AVNCS Smoke Procedures

Instructions: Answer each question in 2-3 sentences.

What are the three primary detection triggers for activating the smoke/fumes/AVNCS smoke procedure?
Describe the initial "LAND ASAP" actions a crew must take upon detecting perceptible smoke/fumes.
Why is immediate diversion initiated if the smoke/fumes source is not immediately isolated?
According to the FCTM, what are the three main objectives of the "Immediate Actions" when dealing with smoke or fumes?
How can the crew distinguish between AIR COND smoke and AVIONICS smoke if both are suspected?
What does the "OVRD" indication for VENTILATION BLOWER and VENTILATION EXTRACT mean in the context of a smoke/fumes procedure, and what is its purpose?
Under what specific condition would the crew consider setting the "ELEC EMER CONFIG" during a smoke/fumes event?
If AVIONICS SMOKE is not triggered, but the "ELEC EMER CONFIG" procedure is applied, what is the specific generator restoration guideline before landing?
When smoke/fumes persist during the "Removal of Smoke / Fumes" procedure, what critical cockpit actions are taken to aid in evacuation and observation?
What is the importance of cabin crew coordination in a smoke/fumes incident, and what information should be communicated?

Answer Key

The three primary detection triggers are perceptible smoke/fumes by flight/cabin crew, an AVIONICS SMOKE alert, or other ECAM smoke alerts such as CARGO or LAVATORY SMOKE. These indicators prompt the crew to initiate the appropriate emergency procedures.
Upon detecting perceptible smoke/fumes, the crew must don oxygen masks/goggles, set VENTILATION BLOWER and EXTRACT to OVRD, turn off CAB FANS and GALY & CAB systems, turn on SIGNS, and establish cockpit/cabin communication to coordinate the response. These actions protect the crew and mitigate smoke spread.
Immediate diversion is initiated if the smoke/fumes source is not immediately isolated because fire/smoke in the fuselage can pose significant hazards and lead to passenger panic. Initiating diversion allows the aircraft to land safely as soon as possible, facilitating further troubleshooting on the ground.
The three main objectives of "Immediate Actions" are flight crew protection (e.g., using oxygen masks), avoiding further contamination of the cockpit and cabin by smoke/fumes, and establishing clear communication with the cabin crew to manage the situation effectively. These actions prioritize safety and control.
If smoke/fumes initially come from ventilation outlets, AIR COND smoke is suspected, potentially triggering cargo/lavatory/avionics ECAM alerts. If only an AVIONICS SMOKE alert is triggered without a clear source from ventilation, then avionics smoke is suspected.
"OVRD" for VENTILATION BLOWER and VENTILATION EXTRACT means they are set to override their normal operation. This helps to create a differential pressure to extract smoke/fumes from the cabin and cockpit more effectively, aiding in smoke removal and crew protection.
The crew would consider setting the "ELEC EMER CONFIG" if the smoke/fumes source cannot be determined and persists, or if AVNCS/ELECTRICAL smoke/fumes are suspected. This configuration manages the electrical system to mitigate the source or provide a stable electrical environment for landing.
If AVIONICS SMOKE is not triggered, but ELEC EMER CONFIG is applied, the guideline states to restore all generators only 3 minutes before landing or 2000 feet AAL. This is done to recover normal braking capabilities while minimizing the possible reactivation of a smoke source.
When smoke/fumes persist during the "Removal of Smoke / Fumes" procedure, critical cockpit actions include opening the COCKPIT DOOR and the PM SLIDING WINDOW. These actions are taken to aid in the evacuation of smoke and fumes from the cockpit, and to provide additional visual warnings if needed.
Cabin crew coordination is essential because they provide vital information regarding the density of smoke/fumes and the severity of the situation in the cabin. This communication helps the flight crew assess the overall situation and make informed decisions regarding emergency procedures and diversion.

Essay Format Questions

Discuss the critical decision-making process outlined in the procedures for determining whether to "ISOLATE," "INITIATE DIVERSION," or proceed to "IMMEDIATE LANDING" in a smoke/fumes event. How do the various stages and conditions influence the Captain's choices?
Analyze the layered approach to smoke/fumes management, beginning with "Immediate Actions" and progressing through "Source Identification and Fighting," and "Boxed Items." Explain how each phase contributes to the overarching goal of ensuring flight safety.
Compare and contrast the immediate actions and considerations for dealing with perceptible smoke/fumes versus an AVIONICS SMOKE ECAM alert, particularly when the source is not immediately obvious or extinguishable.
Explain the purpose and implications of entering an "ELEC EMER CONFIG" during a smoke/fumes event. Detail the expected changes in aircraft status and flight control laws, and the specific conditions for generator restoration.
Beyond the technical procedures, elaborate on the significance of crew coordination, both within the cockpit and with the cabin crew, during a smoke/fumes emergency. How does effective communication contribute to a successful outcome according to the provided material?

Glossary of Key Terms

AAL (Above Aerodrome Level): Altitude measured from the elevation of the aerodrome.
Abnormal and Emergency Procedures: Set of prescribed actions to be taken by flight crew in response to unusual or critical aircraft system malfunctions or external events.
AC BUS: Alternating Current Bus, part of the aircraft's electrical distribution system.
AIR COND SMOKE: Smoke originating from the air conditioning system, often detected from ventilation outlets.
ALTN LAW (Alternate Law): A degraded flight control law that provides less protection than normal law, typically entered after certain system failures.
APPR SPD (Approach Speed): The speed at which the aircraft approaches the runway for landing.
APU (Auxiliary Power Unit): A small jet engine in the tail of the aircraft that provides power for systems on the ground and can provide backup power in flight.
AVIONICS SMOKE: Smoke originating from the aircraft's electronic systems, often accompanied by a specific ECAM alert.
Boxed Items: Critical actions or procedures within the QRH that are to be considered or applied when a situation (e.g., smoke/fumes) becomes the greatest threat.
CAB FANS: Fans in the cabin that circulate air.
Cabin Crew: Flight attendants responsible for passenger safety and service.
CARGO SMOKE: Smoke detected in the cargo compartment.
CKPT / CABIN COM (Cockpit / Cabin Communication): Communication system used by flight crew and cabin crew.
DC BAT BUS: Direct Current Battery Bus, part of the aircraft's electrical distribution system powered by batteries.
DIRECT LAW: The most basic flight control law, where pilot stick inputs directly command control surface deflection with minimal protection. Activated in severe system failures or landing gear extension in alternate law.
Diversion: The act of changing the planned destination to another airport, usually due to an emergency or unforeseen circumstances.
ECAM (Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor): An integrated system that displays aircraft system information, cautions, and warnings to the flight crew.
ELEC EMER CONFIG (Electrical Emergency Configuration): A specific electrical system setup activated during certain emergencies (like AVIONICS SMOKE) to manage power supply and isolate potential sources of fire.
EMER EXIT LIGHT (Emergency Exit Light): Lights activated to illuminate emergency exits.
FCOM (Flight Crew Operating Manual): Detailed manual containing procedures, limitations, and performance data for aircraft operation.
FCTM (Flight Crew Techniques Manual): Manual providing guidance and recommended techniques for operating the aircraft.
FL (Flight Level): A nominal altitude of an aircraft, expressed in hundreds of feet, at a standard atmospheric pressure. FL 100 is 10,000 feet.
FMS PRED UNRELIABLE (Flight Management System Prediction Unreliable): An indication that the FMS's performance or navigation predictions may not be accurate.
Fuel Vapors: Flammable gaseous state of fuel, a significant fire hazard.
GALY & CAB (Galley and Cabin Power): Electrical power supply to the galley and cabin systems.
GEN (Generator): Device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy to power aircraft systems.
GPWS LDG FLAP 3 (Ground Proximity Warning System Landing Flap 3): An alert related to landing configuration when flaps are set to position 3.
HEADSETS: Communication devices worn by crew members.
IFE (In-Flight Entertainment): Systems providing entertainment for passengers during a flight.
Immediate Actions: A set of critical and often memory-item procedures to be performed quickly in response to an emergency.
ISOLATE: To separate or shut off a system or component, especially one identified as the source of a problem.
LAND ASAP (Land As Soon As Possible): An emergency declaration requiring the flight crew to land at the nearest suitable airport without delay.
Landing Gear Down (L/G DN): The state where the aircraft's landing gear is extended.
LDG DIST PROC (Landing Distance Procedure): Procedure to calculate and manage the required landing distance.
LAVATORY SMOKE: Smoke detected in an aircraft lavatory.
MAX BRK PR (Maximum Brake Pressure): The maximum pressure that can be applied to the aircraft's brakes.
MAX SPEED: Maximum allowable operating speed for the aircraft or a specific condition.
MEA-MORA (Minimum En-route Altitude / Minimum Off-Route Altitude): Altitude requirements for safe flight over terrain and obstacles.
MIN RAT SPEED (Minimum Ram Air Turbine Speed): The minimum speed required for the Ram Air Turbine to generate electrical power.
OXY MASK / GOGGLE: Oxygen mask and protective goggles worn by flight crew during smoke or decompression emergencies.
OVRD (Override): To manually bypass an automatic system function.
PACK (Air Conditioning Pack): Component of the aircraft's environmental control system that conditions air.
PM SLIDING WINDOW (Pilot Monitoring Sliding Window): A window on the copilot's side of the cockpit that can be opened for ventilation or emergency exit.
PROT LOST (Protection Lost): Indication that certain flight control protections (e.g., against stalls or overspeed) are no longer active.
QRH (Quick Reference Handbook): A compact, readily accessible manual containing condensed emergency and abnormal procedures.
RAM AIR (Ram Air Turbine): A small turbine that extends from the aircraft to generate electrical or hydraulic power from the airflow in an emergency.
Recirculated: Air that is taken from the cabin/cockpit, filtered, and returned to the same area.
SIGNS (Seatbelt/No Smoking Signs): Passenger information signs in the cabin.
Skydrol: A type of hydraulic fluid used in aircraft, known for its distinct odor when burning.
SLATS/FLAPS SLOW: Indication that the extension or retraction of slats and flaps is occurring at a slower than normal rate.
STATUS page: An ECAM display page providing information about the status of various aircraft systems and related messages.
Tailwind Landing: Landing with a tailwind, which increases ground speed and landing distance.
VHF / HF / ATC: Very High Frequency, High Frequency, and Air Traffic Control radio communication systems.
VENTILATION BLOWER / EXTRACT: Components of the aircraft's ventilation system that move air into and out of the cabin/cockpit.
VREF (Reference Landing Speed): The calculated target airspeed for approach and landing.
VISUAL WARNINGS (Noisy Ckpt): Visual alerts in the cockpit, which might be accompanied by increased noise (noisy cockpit).

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