The story
The Airbus A320 family changed the game with fly-by-wire controls in a narrow-body. Budget airlines love it. Passengers may not know the difference, but pilots do.
The A320 was the first commercial aircraft to use digital fly-by-wire controls, back in 1988.
Quick answers
How do you identify a A320?
Wider fuselage than 737, round nose profile. Wingtip fences (ceo) or sharklets. Two overwing exits per side.
What does a A320 sound like?
CFM56s give a smooth hum; IAE V2500s a lower rumble on approach.
How fast is the A320?
Top speed is 454 kts.
How many passengers does the A320 carry?
Up to 186. A typical layout is 150 (2-class).
How far can the A320 fly?
Range is about 3,300 nmi.
How big is the A320?
It is 123 ft 3 in long and 111 ft 10 in across the wings.
When did the A320 first fly?
Its first flight was in 1987.
How many A320s have been built?
4,752 built.
What do crews call the A320?
The Bus.
How rare is a A320 in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first A320 catch is worth 25 points.
