A330 REJECTED TAKE-OFF

REFERENCES

FCOM, FCTM, FAM, Takeoff Safety Training Aid

DEFINITIONS ABOVE 100 kts and BELOW V1

("high speed")
The definition of V1 is: "The maximum speed at which the crew must
take the first action to initiate the rejected takeoff" Captain should be go-minded. Reject only for:
- ENG FIRE
By V1 the decision must have already been made ….. - APU FIRE
- Severe damage
FAA DEFINITIONS OF V1 - ENG FAIL or sudden loss of engine thrust
- CONFIG warning Red/Warning
V1 is the maximum speed at which the rejected takeoff maneuver can be (- ENG OIL LO PR) – now removed from the list
initiated and the airplane stopped within the remaining field length under - ENG REV UNLOCKED Red/Warning
the conditions and procedures defined in the FARs. It is the latest point - SIDESTICK FAULT (NEW)
in the takeoff roll where a stop can be initiated. - L+R ELV FAULT ( - pitch control only by trim wheel) Red/Warning
- Tyre failure when less than V1-20 kts. After this speed it’s better to
And …. get airborne, dump fuel and land with a long runway, unless the tyre
debris has caused major engine anomalies.
V1 is also the earliest point from which an engine-out takeoff can be Nose gear vibration should not lead to an RTO above 100 kts
continued and the airplane attain a height of 35 feet at the end of the A window coming open should not lead to an RTO above 100 kts.
runway. Until takeoff power set (all of these should give a caution):
+ F/CTL PRIM 1 FAULT
Where these 2 V1 speeds are equal – a balanced field exists. Crew + F/CTL PRIM 1 PITCH FAULT
should always presume that this is the case (worst scenario). + F/CTL ELEV SERVO FAULT on 1 green servo control
+ HYD G SYS LO PR
CERTIFICATION CRITERIA A further hidden failure may result in loss of one elevator control in flight.
A return to the gate for maintenance is required in each case above.
Whilst certification tests are limited in that the test pilot knows that he
must reject the takeoff at V1, allowances are built into the A/C operating ABOVE V1
manual for “average” pilot behaviour. These are: Only if the aircraft will not fly. Expect a runway overrun.

- a (minimum) 1 second allowance for recognition of engine-failure (or PROCEDURE

other problem). This is BEFORE V1
PROCEDURE
- brake application is required at or before V1 Note: if F/O is the PNF: F/O calls ECAM abnormalities and Captain
rejects takeoff if required/desired. If the Capt is PNF: Captain calls
- a 1 second allowance for thrust levers to IDLE (after V1) ECAM abnormalities and performs the rejected take-off
- an additional 1 second allowance for speedbrakes to extend (after V1) CPT: ……………………………… "STOP"
(this indicates that he HAS control)
- RTO certification is done without Reverse Thrust. However, reverse THRUST LEVERS ……………… IDLE
thrust does contribute to the stopping distance – especially if the runway REVERSE THRUST ……………. MAX AVAILABLE
is contaminated and the reverse thrust is applied at higher speed (more Monitor deceleration and use full manual braking to a stop if required
effective here). Full reverse may be used to a stop but if plenty of runway
remaining, deselect reverse at 70 kts. If fire indication in
These allowances are not meant to afford pilot delay in the RTO an engine - do not use reverse on that side.
decision. The definition of V1 remains unchanged.
F/O: MONITOR
In the A330, thrust IDLE is the first step. Above 72 kts the - REVERSE ("REVERSE GREEN2")
AUTOBRAKES (MAX) and the ground spoilers will automatically engage - BRAKE RESPONSE ("DECEL1")
immediately. If RTO is below 72 kts state "MANUAL BREAKING"
CANCEL ANY AUDIO - (master caution or warning)
Reverse thrust (even on just one side) does not affect the deceleration CALL "70 kts"
rate but do take much of the effort out of the brakes – allowing them to INFORM Tower "STOPPING RUNWAY xx"
be more efficient and build up less heat.
CAPT:
A BALANCED FIELD is one where at a certain weight the runway Stop on the runway unless wind is blowing fire onto the fuselage
distance is equal for a complete stop following an RTO at V1 and a PARKING BRAKE ……… SET
continued takeoff (to 35’ AGL – dry) following an engine failure at V1. ALERT PA "Attention! All passengers remain seated and await
For many flights, the A/C is less than that which makes for a balanced further instructions"
field takeoff. Pilots may not know whether a V1 is predicated on a "ECAM ACTIONS"
balanced field (the most critical case). If the actual weight is less than
the balanced field weight, there will be more room for an RTO from V1 – F/O: PERFORM ECAM ACTIONS
the A/C will stop before the end of the runway. Pilots should, however Locate the EMERGENCY EVACUATION checklist (back cover of QRH)
presume all takeoffs are V1-critical. If evacuation is required, follow the ECAM in the case of ENGINE FIRE
or the QRH EMERGENCY EVACUATION checklist in every other case
Continuing the takeoff with an engine failure at V1. FLEX thrust used is This includes informing ATC and requesting assistance from the
still certified for 35’ at the end of the runway. TOGA on the remaining emergency services
engine only improves this – all else being equal.
NOTES
DECISIONS
The "DECEL" call means that the deceleration is felt by the Flight Crew,
The captain bears the responsibility to reject the takeoff. and confirmed by the speed trend on the PFD. It can also be confirmed
by the DECEL light, however, this light only indicates that the selected
DECISIONS deceleration rate is or is not achieved, irrespective of the functioning of
the autobrake. The DECEL light might not come up on a contaminated
BELOW 100 kts ("low speed") runway, with the autobrake working properly, due to the effect of the
- Seriously consider an RTO for any ECAM warning or caution. antiskid.

Captain should avoid pressing the pedals with autobrake functioning

(which might be a reflex action) unless he intends to apply manual
braking.

Full reverse may be used to A/C stop although of stop is assured,

reverse may be set to IDLE reverse at 70 kts. This is preferable.

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 STANDARD REJECTED TAKEOFF BRIEFING
In the wet or with a contaminated runway – use all stopping devices to
bring the aeroplane to a complete stop. (F/O = PF)
If in doubt about A/C braking, do not wait, take over and immediately "In the event of a rejected take-off, I will expect to see you (the Captain)
apply maximum manual braking. This is probably not a natural action say “stop” and immediately close both thrust levers and select available
since pilots are so geared to passenger comfort. Loss of braking reverse thrust. I will maintain control until I hear and see you positively
procedure is applicable here if the A/C is not decelerating. taking control.
If there is an abnormality in the takeoff run and the Captain decides to I’ll call available reverse (“REVERSE (1,2) GREEN”) and ensure that
continue then he will say "CONTINUE" the Autobrakes are working and call “DECEL”. I’ll call you any errors or
omissions.
The Captain does the alert PA. As well as company policy, it lets the
passengers and crew know that the pilots are OK and working through I'll cancel the warning/cautions and call "70 kts" then advise the tower
procedures that we are stopping on runway xx.
The aircraft should be parked (on the runway if necessary) whilst the I’ll see you park the brakes, give the alert PA and call for ECAM actions.
crew runs checklists and evaluates the situation. I’ll locate the EMERGENCY EVACUATION CHECKLIST.
If Autobrakes have been used to a stop, release the brakes by disarming I'll request the fire services from the tower for an abort above 100 kts.
the spoilers prior to further taxi. Autobrakes may otherwise be released
by depressing at least one brake pedal with a certain force. If you state "continue" then I will continue the take off as planned unless
I hear and see you positively taking over."
Before deciding to evacuate - use ATC, fire services (131.0), cabin crew,
engineers or other company staff to gain as much information as
possible about the aircraft state (eg. engine on fire). A suitable way to PERFORMANCE / SYSTEMS IMPACTS
determine the state of the engines on the ground is to open the cockpit
window and look out at the engine. Factors which may affect RTO stopping performance and/or stopping
distance: I=improved W: worse
Cabin crew should not initiate an evacuation without first attempting to
contact the flight deck. PILOT FACTORS

The High/Low speed figure of 100 kts is not a critically chosen figure. It W - delay in recognition of problem requiring RTO
is considered to be a suitable and simple figure to define what is high W - delay in initiating RTO
speed and what is low speed. W - improper techniques. Eg. late or no use of reverse thrust, not
maximum braking when braking manually. Instictively taking
over from autobrakes and not using maximum manual
SYSTEMS INFORMATION
braking.
W - error in performance calculations (improper speeds)
ECAM inhibits warnings which are non-essential from 80kts to 1,500’ (or W - runway line-up uses more distance than allowed in calculations
2 minutes after takeoff – whichever occurs first). This aids the Captain in (distance to V1 more than calculated in the performance
his go/no go decision. figures)
W - improper (low) thrust setting (longer, slower acceleration)
There is some conjecture as to whether ALL cautions are inhibited in the W – slow to set takeoff thrust whilst rolling (longer, slower acceleration)
80 kts to 1,500’ / 2 min window. In other words, could there be a caution
occurrence in this time where the pilot would still have to assess the SYSTEM FACTORS
problem and say “continue”. Initial discussions would indicate YES.
W - damaged tyres
The flight control page will not be automatically displayed therefore the W - deflated tyres
indication of groundspoilers is not obvious. It is not considered a high W - brakes deactivated (MEL). A V1 reduction usually applies to
priority to select the FCTL ECAM page to check on the deployment of accommodate for this. A brake failure during the RTO will not
ground spoilers. If the autobrakes are working then the groundspoilers be accounted for.
can be presumed deployed. W - anti-skid faulty or unserviceable (MEL). A large V1 reduction usually
applies. (unplanned) failure of the antiskid will be much more
If only one reverser is operative, state "REVERSE 1 (2) GREEN" or of an issue with a contaminated runway.
“NO REVERSE” W - A/C weight greater than predicted by loadsheet
W - residual brake temperature (with brake temps past a certain point
The DECEL call now comes AFTER REVERSE GREEN The braking efficiency reduces and the brakes may fail
altogether). The A330 does not have Min Turnaround
Autobrakes (MAX) are activated by the ground spoiler deployment. Tables. The basic 150 and 300 degree limitations make
The ground spoilers will not deploy with a rejected takeoff below 72 kts. brake energy matters an easy assessment for departure.
Therefore below this speed there will be no Autobrakes or spoiler W - speedbrake (no speedbrake in RTO affects drag – some 30%) and
deployment. moreso weight on the wheels to aid proper braking (30%
increase in braking efficiency).
The total energy that must be dissipated in an RTO is proportional to the I - flap setting. More flap means lower V1 and VR – reduced takeoff run
square of speed. and therefore more runway to stop. There is also more drag
to help the A/C stop. The trade-off is climb performance
The brakes bear most of this energy although the reverse thrust bears (more flap reduces 2nd segment climb ability), aircraft wear &
some of the load if it is used. Reverse thrust is most effectively at high tear, longer cleanup time.
speed so don't delay its use. I - engine bleed air (OFF is better for TOGA takeoffs so that the engine
develops greater power and reaches V1 earlier/less runway
Blown tyres reduce the overall braking ability because of the loss of used)
braking on that wheel. Certification testing is not done with blown tyres.
For information - Worn brakes. RTOs must now be certified with brakes
A high speed RTO results in very hot brakes, the tyre fuse plugs should worn to the limit (flush pin) so if the brakes are within limits – the RTO
melt and let out the air pressure, reducing the risk of tyre explosion. should not be reduced in deceleration effect.
Nevertheless, no-one should approach the main landing gear until the
brakes have cooled. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
* If the runway is limiting then a proper RTO will result in a stop before W - less headwind or more tailwind than used for calculations
the runway end. If the RTO is initiated 1 second after V1 then the W – hot temperature (performance figures account for)
aircraft will run off the end of the runway doing 50 to 70 kts. See the W – high pressure altitude (QNH adjustment accounts for). Engine
table later in this document. performance is less in the latter 2 cases (ie. higher density
altitude) so acceleration to V1 takes longer and more
runway.

LOCATION FACTORS

W - runway ungrooved (worse than grooved in the wet/contaminated)

- affords better friction.
W - runway friction coefficient worse than advertised (contamination,
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 rubber deposits, etc, reducing braking). Wet, icy, snow or
slush-covered runways significantly reduce V1.

INITIATION OF RTO AFTRE V1

If the A/C is at a limit weight for the field, an overrun is almost certain.

Some figures (with maximum effort stop):

Speed of RTO Initiate Speed at runway end – then overrun

V1+4 kts 60 kts
V1+8 kts 85 kts
V1+12 kts 120 kts

Contaminated runways, pilot technique errors or further system failures

only increase the runway overrun speeds.

ANCILLARY MATTERS

TECH LOG ENTRY AFTER RTO

* A Techlog entry is required stating that:

- an RTO has occurred
- reason for RTO
- speed at which take0ff was rejected
- whether or not reversers were used

FIRE VEHICLE ACCESS

Fire vehicles have best access to the aircraft when it is ON the runway.
If it is on the taxiway the services will have to approach on the grass -
which may be long and/or boggy. Exit the runway only if sure that
evacuation is not required.

V1 & ROTATE CALL

The V1 call (PNF) should be crisp and the call completed by passing V1
speed. By contrast the ROTATE call is slower (more like a drawl) – this
aids in preventing snap rotates.

SOME HISTORY

From the “PILOT GIUDE TO TAKEOFF SAFETY” (Flight Operations

Training Library). Data for a certain study – not just Airbus.

OVERRUNS

75% of all RTOs are under 80 kts.

Approximately 75% of RTOs – full engine power was available.

2% of RTOs are above 120 kts. Most (by far) runway overruns come
from within this 2% of all RTOs.

Just over half of the overruns occurred where the takeoff was aborted
above V1.

24% of overruns were on wet runways.

10% of overruns were on ice or snow covered runways.

More than 80% of RTO accidents were readily avoidable by:

- 55% continuing the takeoff
- 9% better pre-flight/planning
- 16% correct stop techniques/procedures

20% of RTO accidents were unavoidable.

REASONS FOR RTOs

25% engine failure

23% wheel tyre problems
12% configuration warning
10% indicator/light
8% crew coordination
7% bird strike
3% ATC initiated
13% other or reason not reported

GENERAL

Although certification test have resulted in brake fires, an RTO on line

will not likely result in a brake fire (so data says). Tyres deflating in a
high speed RTO are much more a likely event.

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