| Phase | Pilot Action | FMA (Flight Mode Annunciator) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 1. Decision | "Go Around, Flaps" (Select TO/GA detent) | LVR CLB flashes; SRS | GA TRK |
| 2. Positive Climb | Call "Positive Rate" → Gear Up | SRS | GA TRK |
| 3. Acceleration | At Thrust Reduction Alt (e.g., 1000’ AAL):
- Check LVR CLB blue → Pull thrust to CL detent. | THR CLB | SRS | GA TRK |
| 4. Transition | At Acceleration Alt (e.g., 1500’ AAL):
- SRS automatically disconnects.
- Select NAV or HDG as needed.
- Retract flaps on schedule. | OP CLB | NAV (or HDG) |
During a go-around, adrenaline is high. Many pilots mistakenly push the altitude or heading knob (selecting selected mode) instead of pulling (managed mode). If you push, you override the Sierra pattern and the aircraft flies the heading bug. You have just turned a managed go-around into a dangerous, unplanned manual maneuver.
Fix: Muscle memory training. "In a go-around, pull for safety." sierra pattern a320
A windmilling engine produces less drag and more rotational energy at higher airspeeds. If you simply glide straight at 220 knots, the N2 (core speed) may drop below 10%, making a restart impossible (the starter can't engage above FL250).
The Sierra Pattern uses phugoid oscillations (the natural tendency of an aircraft to exchange airspeed for altitude). You descend slightly faster to gain 250 knots, then pitch up to convert that speed back to altitude, slowing to 200 knots. This cyclical "pumping" keeps the engine cores spinning 5-8% faster than a steady-state glide. | Phase | Pilot Action | FMA (Flight
| Letter | Meaning | | :--- | :--- | | S | Speed – SRS holds V2 | | I | Immediate – Engages at TO/GA detent | | E | Elevation – SRS stops at 1500’ AAL | | R | Retard – No thrust reduction until CLB detent | | R | Runway track – GA TRK follows initial path | | A | Accelerate – Only after SRS terminates |
If you push the "NAV" button on the FCU (Flight Control Unit) during a go-around, the A320 will attempt to fly the MCDU-stored missed approach, which is likely a runway centerline climb followed by a specific waypoint. The Sierra Pattern is a visual maneuver. You should remain in HDG (Heading) mode or TRK (Track) mode using the FCU heading knob. Acceleration | At Thrust Reduction Alt (e
Expert Tip: After the GA thrust is set, pull the heading knob to engage HDG mode. Dial in your 30° offset. This frees you from the Flight Director’s straight-ahead command and allows you to fly the “S” shape visually.