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Consider the tragic accident of Spanair Flight 5022 (2008), which crashed after takeoff due to improper flap configuration. While not a go-around scenario, it highlights how checklist discipline saves lives. The Sierra pattern is a "checklist in motion."
In a 2019 incident at San Francisco International (KSFO), an A320 crew initiated a go-around at 200 feet due to a runway incursion. Because they immediately engaged the Sierra pattern (managed NAV), the aircraft automatically turned south, avoiding construction cranes off the departure end. The pilot later credited the automation: "I didn't have to think about where to go. The Sierra knew."
5.1. Runway Overruns The primary risk of a mismanaged high-energy pattern is a runway overrun. If the aircraft crosses the threshold at Vref + 20 knots (common in rushed patterns), the stopping distance required increases significantly. The A320 brake system is effective, but carbon brake wear is accelerated, and the risk of fuse plug melting (tyre deflation) rises with high-energy rejected landings.
5.2. Hard Landings A steep approach requires a rapid reduction of the descent rate in the flare. Failure to manage the A320's pitch moment effectively can result in a hard landing (touchdown > 600 fpm), potentially causing structural damage to the landing gear.
5.3. Altimetry Errors In steep patterns, the barometric altimeter lag can mislead pilots regarding their true height, causing them to believe they are higher than they actually are, further compressing the timeline for stabilization.
At 400 feet AGL (or a company-specified "acceleration altitude"), the PF initiates a 30-degree bank turn away from the runway side.
Why do airlines specifically teach the Sierra Pattern on the A320 and not, say, the B737?
The term "Sierra" is the NATO phonetic alphabet for the letter "S." In Airbus emergency procedures, the Sierra Pattern refers to a specific, high-altitude holding pattern flown under dual-engine failure conditions.
It is formally titled: "PROC-V - DUAL ENG FAILURE" with the sub-procedure "Holding pattern (Sierra pattern)."
The goal is singular: Maximize total energy (kinetic + potential) to keep the engines spooling for a windmill restart attempt. sierra pattern a320
The pattern is defined by three parameters:
The FMS uses a 3D predictive algorithm. For a given waypoint (WPT B) with a constraint AT OR BELOW 10000:
Key FMS Page Indicators:
The Sierra Pattern A320 procedure is more than a list of heading changes; it is a disciplined mindset. It acknowledges that a go-around is not a failure—it is a planned, trained phase of flight.
For A320 pilots, mastering the Sierra Pattern means respecting the automation, flying a smooth offset climb, and always keeping the runway in sight until you are safely re-sequenced. Whether you are a trainee in a full-motion simulator or a line Captain flying into London City or LaGuardia, the "S" shape should be as instinctive as flaring for landing.
Next time you hear "Go-around, Sierra Pattern," visualize that graceful 'S' on the radar: Straight up, diagonal offset, and parallel return. It is the signature of a professional Airbus pilot.
The Sierra Pattern A320 is a masterpiece of human-factors engineering. It acknowledges that during a go-around, a pilot’s cognitive load is maxed out. By leveraging the "pull for managed" philosophy, the Airbus transforms a high-risk maneuver into a standardized, safe, and repeatable process.
Whether you are flying a real A320 into Frankfurt or a Fenix A320 into your home simulator, mastering the Sierra pattern separates the professional from the amateur. Remember: When in doubt, go around. And when you go around, pull for Sierra.
Further Reading:
Stay safe, and always fly the magenta.
Mastering the Sierra Pattern: A Guide for A320 Pilots In the high-stakes world of commercial aviation, precision is everything. For pilots of the Airbus A320, one of the most critical exercises in maintaining manual flying proficiency is the Sierra Pattern (often referred to as the S-Pattern or S-1 maneuver).
Whether you are a cadet prepping for base training or a seasoned pro in the sim, here is what you need to know about this essential training maneuver. What is the Sierra Pattern?
The Sierra Pattern is a structured flight maneuver used primarily in A320 simulator training to build a pilot's "pitch and thrust" memory. It consists of a series of constant-speed climbs and descents designed to test a pilot's ability to manage the aircraft manually, without the help of the autopilot or flight directors. How to Fly the S-1 Pattern
The "standard" S-1 pattern typically involves the following:
Constant Speed: Maintain a steady airspeed, usually 200 KIAS throughout the entire maneuver.
The Descent: Initiate a 1,000 fpm descent for 1,000 feet by reducing power and lowering the nose slightly.
The Climb: Transition into a 1,000 fpm climb for 1,000 feet by increasing thrust and raising the nose.
The Cycle: This sequence is typically repeated at least twice to ensure stability and precision. Why Pilots Use It Consider the tragic accident of Spanair Flight 5022
Airbus pilots rely heavily on automation, but the Sierra Pattern forces a return to basics. It is a core part of the Mental Calculation Booklet used by flight crews to master:
Pitch & Thrust Tables: Learning exactly what pitch angle and thrust setting (N1%) are required for specific flight phases.
Manual Handling: Training the "bird" (Flight Path Vector) usage and managing manual trim.
Instrument Cross-Check: Improving the pilot's scan between altitude, vertical speed, and airspeed during rapid transitions. Standard Limits in Training
In an A320 training syllabus, you aren't just flying for fun—you're flying for precision. Instructors typically look for the following tolerances: Altitude Deviation: Within +/- 300 feet. Airspeed: Within -10 to +15 knots. Heading: Within +/- 15 degrees. Pro-Tip: The "100-Foot" Rule
To nail the transition between descent and climb, start your power and pitch adjustments roughly 100 feet before reaching your target altitude. This accounts for the aircraft's momentum and ensures a smooth, stabilized level-off or reversal.
The Sierra Pattern is more than just a simulator drill; it’s the foundation of "seat-of-the-pants" flying in a fly-by-wire cockpit. Mastering it ensures that if the automation ever fails, the pilot is more than ready to take over.
The Sierra Pattern is not a specific "mode" like CLB or DES, but a specific geometric path computed by the Flight Management System (FMS). It is used to manage energy and altitude during Confined Area Approaches, Continuous Descent Final Approaches (CDFA) with step-down fixes, or for Noise Abatement procedures.