An SAS Airbus A320 lands with the retard call stuck until parking
Posted by velvynx@reddit | aviation | View on Reddit | 154 comments
Source: 3 Minutes of Aviation on YouTube
Brennan_Schwartz@reddit
There is likely an issue with one of the weight-on-wheels sensors since they presumably had no issues reducing the throttles to idle or engaging reverse thrust. It could also be one of the sensors in the throttle quadrant.
That had to have been an annoying taxi back.
schastlivaya-zhizn@reddit
Dumb question, I don't know how to fly. What does the indication 'retard' mean here? Coming in too fast, or you're dropping more quickly than you should be? Or you've touched down and you need to reduce speed?
Brennan_Schwartz@reddit
It's not a dumb question - it just means that the pilots should reduce the throttles to idle and begin flaring the nose (pitching the nose up slightly) to achieve a smooth landing.
The Retard annunciation is a part of the Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS).
No_Train_728@reddit
It's not part of the Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS).
Brennan_Schwartz@reddit
The FWC receives its stimulus from the GPWS as it relates to the annunciation. There is an RCD on the EGPWC for RAAS that can be enabled for V1 and Retard annunciations through the FWC.
DSC-22_30-90-C-00011967.0001001
“The RETARD mode is only available during automatic landing (AP engaged in LAND mode). At approximately 40 ft RA, the RETARD mode engages and remains engaged after touchdown. The A/THR commands IDLE thrust during the flare, and the FMA and engine warning display “IDLE”. If the autopilot is disengaged during the flare before touchdown, the SPEED mode replaces the RETARD mode, and the flight crew has to manually reduce thrust. Note: In an automatic landing, the system generates a “RETARD” callout at 10 ft RA, which prompts the flight crew to move the thrust levers to IDLE in order to confirm thrust reduction. In manual landing conditions, the system generates this callout at 20 ft RA, as a reminder.”
“The certified AIRBUS RCD enables only RAAS advisories triggered on ground. Therefore, RAAS advisories would unlikely interfere with other call-outs on ground. Indeed, call-outs triggered on ground in AIRBUS cockpits are: • Predictive Wind Shear (PWS) alerts from Weather Radar (WXR), and WXR alerts have priority over EGPWS ones, • V1 and RETARD call-outs, and the RAAS does not trigger advisories at the same aircraft speeds.”
No_Train_728@reddit
I don't think the manual explains the architecture of the system.
Brennan_Schwartz@reddit
The quoted sections from the message above are indeed from the FCOM.
Feel free to look up the MK-V EGPWS ARINC ICD to glean more information on the architectural nuances of the EGPWC and the feedback it gives to the FWC and other systems as it relates to aural callouts such as "Fifty, forty, twenty, ten" and the "RETARD" annuncation.
No_Train_728@reddit
No, MK-V manuals also doesn't mention retard. And retard callout was there 10 years before the egpws anyway.
MikeyPlayz_YTXD@reddit
I thought you only got the retard warning if you were already flaring and just needed that last loss of thrust to come down softly
Brennan_Schwartz@reddit
The RETARD mode is only available during automatic landing (AP engaged in LAND mode). At approximately 40 ft RA, the RETARD mode engages and remains engaged after touchdown. The A/THR commands IDLE thrust during the flare, and the FMA and engine warning display “IDLE”. If the autopilot is disengaged during the flare before touchdown, the SPEED mode replaces the RETARD mode, and the flight crew has to manually reduce thrust.
Note: In an automatic landing, the system generates a “RETARD” callout at 10 ft RA, which prompts the flight crew to move the thrust levers to IDLE in order to confirm thrust reduction.
In manual landing conditions, the system generates this callout at 20 ft RA, as a reminder.
zoeartemis@reddit
It's a cue that it's time to pull back or "retard" the throttles. Perfectly normal in the landing sequence.
RTX-4090ti_FE@reddit
Check the date of the YouTube upload gng
Brennan_Schwartz@reddit
Retard is a normal callout during the flare in an A320, and it can get latched on for several different reasons, some of which are defective weight on wheels switches.
What was the upload date, April 1st or something?
Ha-ha, I guess? It's still something that could happen.
RTX-4090ti_FE@reddit
Do you think I don’t already know that. I’m telling u that the YouTube video was updated on April 1 so clearly it’s a joke
Brennan_Schwartz@reddit
so funny bro omg
Torb3k@reddit
Svalbard 😍🥳🇳🇴🇳🇴
Nervous_Card_7718@reddit
Pilots file complaint with HR against thr airplane
Over_Interest_9187@reddit
Cameraman never dies
nomnomsquirrel@reddit
The location tag being Svalbard, Sweden is making me twitch.
PleaseBePatient99@reddit
It is time you come back into the empire.
yUNIK@reddit
Just embrace it. We will become the greater Sweden /s
AIBotNotARealUser@reddit
Why /s?
when we gave Norway back, we said it would only last 130 years. It's ours again soon.
Arthemax@reddit
Swedish pilots might explain both the Sweden tag and why the 'retard' call continued.
ja_hahah@reddit
Whoever wrote the title got called out hard atleast
Unusual-Pumpkin-7470@reddit
Didn’t notice the text, but I did recognize the airport.
KeepItPositiveBrah@reddit
I thought it was a Sim lol
BobMcGeoff2@reddit
Same
TheCookingPilot@reddit
This is making me very uncomfortable too…
kmvrtwheo98@reddit
Looks like we're living in an alternate universe where Airbus can now rate your landings and Sweden occupies Norway
Nikonmansocal@reddit
One would think these days that they would change the call-out from "retard" to "throttle down" lol ....
russellvt@reddit
two syllables versus four ... unlikely
MikeyPlayz_YTXD@reddit
Three*
russellvt@reddit
yeah, I can't count... thanks
Grouchy-Ad778@reddit
Not a pilot and was just curious; what are the things rolling in vertical axis in black and white either side of the pilot’s hand?
SpiritedInflation835@reddit
The trim wheels.
Though you move the control surfaces on the horizontal stabilizer with your ~~joystick~~ sidestick, the trim wheels put the loads off the surfaces, and move the entire horizontal stabilizer.
The trim wheels are operated automagically, but you can also move them manually.
SpiritedInflation835@reddit
The playne just wanted to make sure the pilots heard it
Ay44ncr7@reddit
The what now…
NlTR00@reddit
Airbus’ built-in roast system when they are not happy with the landing
notcomplainingmuch@reddit
Originally in French, but there are other language options. In German it's particularly harsh.
KnifeNovice789@reddit
That made me really laugh thank you !
NathanArizona@reddit
You’re welcome
verumvia@reddit
really should include this with the Robinhood app on options trades
ItsMeSashaYT@reddit
props to the pilots for not fighting back.
IndependenceStock417@reddit
Turbo props to the camera man
Iamnobody0l@reddit
thats not a nice way of rewarding the cameraman, whod want to get chopped by turboprops
mitchsusername@reddit
I would have been holding back tears and shouting NO YOU
JimClarkKentHovind@reddit
my mom always said bullies only call you names to get a rise out of you
F10flotilje@reddit
Why does it say Svalbard Sweden in right top corner ?
ja_hahah@reddit
There’s so many jokes in here I don’t even know where to begin
hsp-adhd-c@reddit
LoL
Ok_Wolf1179@reddit
I almost became retard listening to this.
MeMyselfAndYoMomma@reddit
We used to say "Flare you retard!" Not politically correct, I know, but always got a laugh. Source: old retired pilot.
DasMo19@reddit
It’s the new update, questioning their life choices.
lti4all@reddit
shit’s got personal real quick
Eaaswa@reddit
Well I was landing at EDDF one night in a MD11, ceiling not much more than 200’ young lady First Officer flying when around 1000’ AGL the auto pilot came off and the airplane aural warning “Autopilot” started repeating. I mentioned I would cancel it and she said it will not cancel, I tried a number of times and it would not cancel. A little distracting while hand flying to 200’. She was right where she should be at 200’ and we landed, rolled out, taxied to the gate with the airplane continued saying “autopilot”. Parked at the gate, connected ground power and the aural warning continued. Maintenance came up to the cockpit with the autopilot alert still sounding. Maintenance cycled the external power off and back on and the alert was gone.
lifeaintsocool@reddit
Literally my brain for several hours after I have a bad landing
PozhanPop@reddit
Barking Bob does not this airport at all.
BinHid1n@reddit
It must really not like one of the pilots 😂
Captain_Mazhar@reddit
I really want to see the MX log entry for this.
“A/C insulting pilots after landing. Retard fallout not cancelling.”
Xiaopang-Douk@reddit
Iran should hack Pete Hegseth's phone and switch his ringtone to this
my5cworth@reddit
Landed there a few times IRL.
Always odd to see the solar panels mounted vertically on the walls instead of on the roofs due to how far north the airport is.
ArcWraith2000@reddit
And why does it say that?
my5cworth@reddit
Its a command to retard the airplane's vertical speed before touchdown. To "Slow down or flare".
Here_4_the_INFO@reddit
Looked at tile and thought "has to be a typo" ... turned on the volume... NOPE.
rothwerx@reddit
New Daft Punk just dropped
dakimmie@reddit
Why is my little brother talking through the plane? 😦
chebysilberader@reddit
inner monologue be like
well_shoothed@reddit
/r/wallstreetbets/ has entered the chat
HawkDriver@reddit
That aircraft knows something we don’t.
XBacklash@reddit
Imposter syndrome!
Loodlekoodles@reddit
We're back bois
Crazy__Donkey@reddit
Pull the stick fod damit!
FrustratedPCBuild@reddit
That’s not very nice!
mrcafe500@reddit
Sounds like one of my landings.
AntigenWay@reddit
"ok now you don't have to be a dick about it"
throw-away-imessedup@reddit
Bro as a pilot I would be absolutely dying of laughter, I would absolutely not be able to maintain composure
ThirdSunRising@reddit
nice
kevcubed@reddit
This is reddit, they're supposed to say REGARD now.
teapots_at_ten_paces@reddit
Nah, that's tiktok and youtube. We can still say all the bad words on reddit.
kevcubed@reddit
Sorry that was actually a new running joke that's been popping up on r/wallstreetbets lol
Chicago_Blackhawks@reddit
Lol
Jknzboy@reddit
That’s an offensive word to use now. We prefer to use euphemisms, like “trump voter”
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mocatmath@reddit
thanks Joe Rogan
mooses_like_juices@reddit
French companies like AirBus - and many other non-native English speakers, for that matter - don't really appreciate that the English don't know how to speak English.
Drunkenaviator@reddit
At least flying a Boeing the only thing calling me a retard is the other pilot...
Enabels@reddit
OMG the circlejerk subs be like so...... with this
Goobygoodra@reddit
They're doing their best dammit
gonegotim@reddit
I giggled way more than I should have 🤭
underscoreftw@reddit
So what's the reason?
Ehh_WhatNow@reddit
It’s Boeings fault
s/
SnowConvertible@reddit
Typical reasons on an A320:
One of the radio altimeters is jumping around like crazy due to bad reflections. This can happen on wet ground surfaces or even when something is in the vicinity of the radio altimeters antennas location, like a ladder or a manhole cover. But these problems are typically only when stationary and you would notice it on the PFD.
The linkages for the targets of the air/ground switches on the NLG have play and the LGCIUs sends signals to the aicraft systems that the plane is still airborne. This is a very likely fault as these linkages hinges tend to wear.
Computer fault. The computers on the A320 are not perfect and sometimes produce not reproduceable faults. In these cases you would reset them. First to reset would be the FWCs, maybe the LGCIUs (not adviseable, as this will set several aircraft systems in "air mode").
creamofsumyunggoyim@reddit
Had a little trouble getting the engines started, pilot has it a good coupla kicks. Aircraft did not forget.
sroop1@reddit
Southwest pilot
Legal-Pea8185@reddit
hit a little bit hard. not couth of the plane though
cruisin_urchin87@reddit
The guys at wsb would love this
hehesf17969@reddit
it’s been retarded
Original_Log_6002@reddit
That's the first time that I've heard an airplane 'bully' a pilot about his landing.
Yoojine@reddit
Report that plane to HR
flightist@reddit
“Don’t you know I’m my biggest critic?!”
Personal-Lock9623@reddit
That's just mean.
Original_Log_6002@reddit
Wouldn't it be great if pilots can customize the voice warning system. I would love to hear the "Samuel L. Jackson" version of this video... "Slow down muthaf-cker... Slow down muthaf-cker..."
WeakTransportation37@reddit
I now have a complex from just watching that
DCUStriker9@reddit
Automatic Pilot Rating System
NoodHigga69@reddit
RETARD
seth928@reddit
Reminds me of my childhood
Ilove_gaming456@reddit
Okay now that's just personal
Deep_Fried_Bussy@reddit
Airbus saying what's on everyone's mind
cheetuzz@reddit
would have been autobanned immediately from most subreddits
BastardInTheNorth@reddit
When the plane decides it’s your older brother.
Skomskk@reddit
Ok sorry for being dumb, I’ve been stalking this sub for a while now and have always wondered… what is it actually saying?
GGCRX@reddit
Retard.
It doesn't mean "mentally handicapped," it means "retard the throttle," or, pull it back to idle.
trippMassacre@reddit
Reminds me of call of duty lobbies back in the day
ScrubbingTheDeck@reddit
At some point the plane crossed over from calling out throttle to calling out the pilots
RTX-4090ti_FE@reddit
April fools prank the vid was posted on the first
EmotionalBar2533@reddit
Bro its 2026 we can't say that anymore
DoctorDinghus@reddit
Asshole plane
notmyalt_cat69@reddit
These aviators are extremely professional (or annoyed). I wouldn’t be able to stop laughing
Standard-Pepper-6510@reddit
Everybody knows you never go full retard
Top-Willingness-8608@reddit
System error?
djsnoopmike@reddit
Ain't no way you have a plane crushing your ego like this 🤣
KarmaCommando_@reddit
Please stop I can't get any more retarded
Marklar_RR@reddit
I thought shit like this only happens in MSFS. :).
russellvt@reddit
What do you think is running the avionics in the Airbus? /s
russellvt@reddit
It just really wanted to call-out the pilots and let them know what it thought of them.
lakebistcho@reddit
😂
Gripe@reddit
...and the plane took that personally
AZFUNGUY85@reddit
Ritard… ritardando .. a slowing. Not an E
mig82au@reddit
Retard is a slowing in English too. The Airbus calls are in English.
Prestigious-Elk-9061@reddit
This plane tryna tell me something??
Redsoxdragon@reddit
Reminds me of high school all over again
dandelion_bandit@reddit
Holy shit that got a proper lol
StillWithSteelBikes@reddit
Airbus went full retard. You NEVER go full retard.
viccityguy2k@reddit
‘I am!’ - pulls back throttle harder I Know I know I know I Know I Know
how_very_dare_you_@reddit
He can't pull over any further!
mattblack77@reddit
My new ringtone 👌🏻
SlippinYimmyMcGill@reddit
Rudest plane ever!
Cockyidiot1977@reddit
DAFUQ YOU SAY?
SAY IT AGAIN, I DARE YOU
Low_Television734@reddit
Gotta keep em humble
GlazedHam420@reddit
Tell me how you really feel Airbussy
Hugo_5t1gl1tz@reddit
I don’t know why, but the jump cuts to it still calling “retard” makes it even better.
Key-Monk6159@reddit
I’ve heard that the R word was back but this is ridiculous.
SeaMareOcean@reddit
Honestly I want to know what camera that is. Its dynamic range is very impressive.
don_teegee@reddit
What I hear when driving home with the wife in the car.
post-explainer@reddit
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m00ph@reddit
Not my video, but it's from this 3 Minutes Of Aviation video, there's a credit, but no link to a source video. https://youtu.be/AV5gN1Em54c
airport-codes@reddit
I am a bot.
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Upbeat_Signature_951@reddit
Bad bot
jewishmechanic@reddit
Bad bot
Spiritual-One-683@reddit
It really hates them don’t you think
Dorito-Bureeto@reddit
The airbus is so judgmental
bch2021_@reddit
Sounds like my CFI
youcanteatcatskevn@reddit
Sounds like every parent teacher conference I ever had when the adults were comparing notes.
floo82@reddit
Retard