Those who enjoy watching planes in the airport’s yards or watching videos of operations mostly see the traditional arrival where the pilot on the ground, guided by the beacon, drives in a straight line to the holding position where the passengers disembark.
In some places, however, the configuration of terminal stops results in the need for a nonlinear flight path of the aircraft. And in one of the strangest cases in the world, the shift involves a full turn of 90º (or a little more) that the pilot must perform at the moment of stopping.
Steffen, a former Airbus A380 pilot, was curious and published a video on his Twitter profile showing the arrival of a Lufthansa Airbus A321 at position A01 at Frankfurt Airport:
Matching one #A321 in position A01 @Airport_FRA always fun to watch as it requires asymmetric thrust, differential braking and the full steering angle of the nose gear!👍🏼 #AvGeek pic.twitter.com/k5WcUqV17B
— Steffen, 👨🏼✈️ ❤️✈️ (@SteffenA380) June 10, 2022
As described by the pilot, the maneuver requires asymmetric thrust (left engine stronger than right), differential braking (greater brake pressure on right wheel than left), and use of the train’s full steering angle. nose landing.
The maneuver itself is normal for most airliners, however the required “fit” of the aircraft at the end of the apron is noteworthy.
To give you a better idea of where the location is, the two images available below show the satellite view of this position A01 at the German airport. Note that the position to the side, B10 (see the mark on the yard next to the lines) also requires the odd stopping manoeuvre.
Image: Google Earth
Image: Google Earth