A318.(AIR TRANSPORT BRIEFING)(Brief article)

* The A318 and the A318 Elite fitted with CFM International CFM56 engines have been approved for the Steep Approach landing capability By the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). In June 2007, approval was granted by the EASA for the A318 powered by Pratt and Whitney PW6000 engines. This certification opens up the Steep Approach .capability to all Airbus A318 and A318 Elite operators at airports such as London City., where stringent approach requirements exist. During compatibility tests carried out at London City Airport in 2006, Airbus says that the A318 demonstrated that it is an excellent neighbour, ideally suited to downtown sites due to its low noise characteristics. City centre airports are typically constrained by obstacles and stringent noise rules. Steep Approaches enable aircraft to meet these constraints by following an approach path at an angle of 5.5 degrees instead of the three degrees typical at most airports. All A318 models are now able to meet the obstacle requirements at such locations, whilst significantly reducing noise in the surrounding area compared to earlier-generation aircraft.

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