Is there a known problem with A320neo family radios?

Posted by LucaPlayzIsOnReddit@reddit | aviation | View on Reddit | 12 comments

Over half of the squawk 7600 alerts i get from flight radar are A321neo and A320. Im wondering if theres a problem with their radios or is it just the fact that theyre the most numerous planes (yet this wouldnt explain why i rarely get an 737 alert)

[-]

bbcgn@reddit

Is the other half 737s?

don't have the numbers ready but since the A320 now superceded the 737 in units produced and is now the most produced airliner you would guess that most planes are either A320 variants or 737s.

Since there are a lot more narrow bodies than widebodies and most narrow bodies are either A320s or 737s you would expect them to be overly represented in such events, just because they are the majority.

[-]

LucaPlayzIsOnReddit@reddit (OP)

no the other half are mostly small general aviation planes or a turboprop now and then

[-]

bbcgn@reddit

Interesting.

[-]

Newt_Ill@reddit

This is likely a software or hardware issue which would likely fall under regulatory guidelines do-178 or do-254 respectively.

All known issues get tracked and any reset issues get classified with high criticality. Depending on the severity/criticality, issues can prevent certification or even ground airplanes.

Essentially, all electronics and software are expected to be perfect. More frequently flown planes are more likely to identify bugs, but these issues end up getting fixed.

[-]

esntlbnr@reddit

Do you have the numbers handy on the number of events by type?

[-]

LucaPlayzIsOnReddit@reddit (OP)

No sorry. Ive noticed this from the push notifications im getting from flightradar24 and thats it

[-]

spacecadet2399@reddit

Short answer is no. Never had a problem with the radio on an A320/321.

[-]

homeinthesky@reddit

There is a known issue with the new radio controls on the 321NEO. My company issued a fix if the controls “lock” or essentially freeze. It’s just a computer screen and now and again we’ll have a dual freeze. So my company issued us a reset for the both of them, and if that doesn’t work we don’t have controls over our radios. Not even the ability to squawk 7600. We’re limited to communication on last selected radio frequency. But it’s supposed to be extremely rare, and they’re working on a fix to it.

[-]