Over the last decade, there have been cases where a/c took off with incorrect trim or flaps, ⬆️risk of rwy overrun or tail strike
Airbus developed Takeoff Surveillance (TOS1 & TOS2) & Takeoff Monitoring (TOM) to provide additional safety to👨✈️during takeoff prep & takeoff roll
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The « TO CONFIG TEST » pushbutton was first introduced on A300/A310 aircraft. When pressed, it checks the correct aircraft configuration for takeoff. If the aircraft configuration is not correct, the CONFIG light comes
TOS1 improves the checks performed on flaps & trim settings & adds a check of performance parameters entered in the FMS (aircraft weight and takeoff speeds)
The 1st step of Takeoff Surveillance (TOS1) was provided on #A320 family aircraft in 2009 and then on A330/A340 in 2013
TOS2 was introduced on A350 in 2018 & on #A320 & A330 aircraft in 2019. TOS2 checks that the aircraft is positioned on the intended rwy & the expected takeoff performance is compatible with the rwy distance available. However, the function is based on data entered in FMS by crew
The Takeoff Monitoring function (TOM) was first developed on A380 in 2018 and is now also available on A350. TOM monitors the acceleration of the aircraft during the takeoff phase and warns the flight crew if a lower-than-expected acceleration is detected.
While adherence to SOP ensures takeoff preparation is completed correctly regardless of whether an a/c is equipped with the TO Surveillance & Monitoring functions, focusing on the types of event that were reported shows that TOS & TOM would detect the majority of them.
TOS1 & TOS2 are available for the #A320, TOM is presently under feasibility study. The availability for retrofit depends on the exact aircraft configuration (FMS, EIS, ADIRU, and FWS standards)
It is important to remember that these Takeoff Surveillance functions are enhancements that act as an additional safety-net. They do not replace the correct application of SOP by the flight crew.
Credits : safetyfirst.airbus.com/takeoff-surveillance-and-monitoring-functions/