A320 Memory Items: The Critical Ones Every Pilot Must Know Cold

Memory items are the actions a pilot must execute without referring to the QRH — because there isn't time, or because situational awareness can't be sacrificed to read a checklist. Most A320 operators identify a small set (typically 6-10) as memory items. The exact list varies by operator, but the underlying procedures are universal. This guide covers the seven scenarios that almost every operator treats as memory.

Note: Always defer to your operator's specific list. Some carriers add or remove items. The procedures below are FCOM/QRH-sourced; the operator OM-A defines which are "memory" vs "reference."

1. Emergency descent

Triggered by a depressurisation event — cabin altitude exceeding ~10,000 ft, or any indication of structural damage with rapid altitude loss. Memory actions:

1. Crew oxygen masks ON, 100%, set EMERGENCY pressure
2. Crew communication established (interphone)
3. Signs ON — seatbelts, no smoking, all signs
4. Initiate descent: thrust IDLE, speedbrakes EXTEND, descent at MMO/VMO via FL100 or MEA, whichever is higher
5. Squawk 7700 on transponder
6. "Mayday Mayday Mayday" on ATC frequency, descend to safe altitude

The principle: get the aircraft to a breathable altitude (typically FL100 or MEA) as fast as the airframe allows. Communication and ATC come after the descent is initiated, not before.

2. Stall recovery

Triggered by stall warning ("STALL STALL STALL"), buffet, or AoA exceedance. Recovery is the same in all flight laws (Normal, Alternate, Direct). Memory actions:

1. Nose down — push the sidestick to reduce AoA
2. Bank wings level — coordinate the recovery
3. Thrust as needed — usually increase to TOGA, but be careful at low altitude (engine response time)
4. Speedbrakes RETRACT if extended
5. Once airspeed increases and stall warning ceases: gently recover to level flight

Common error: pulling up too aggressively after the stall warning ceases, causing a secondary stall. The recovery is gentle and progressive.

3. EGPWS PULL UP

Triggered by EGPWS terrain conflict warning. Memory actions:

1. Sidestick full back — apply maximum back pressure
2. Thrust to TOGA immediately
3. Wings level (if banking, level them while pulling)
4. Speedbrakes RETRACT
5. Climb at maximum rate until terrain clearance assured and EGPWS warning ceases

Critical principle: climb at the maximum rate the aircraft can produce, not a comfortable rate. The EGPWS algorithm has already calculated that this manoeuvre is required to avoid impact. Don't pause to evaluate.

4. Windshear

Predictive windshear ("WINDSHEAR AHEAD")

1. If on takeoff before V1: reject. After V1 or in flight: continue.
2. Maintain runway track or current heading
3. Monitor flight path closely
4. Consider go-around or diversion if approaching

Reactive windshear ("WINDSHEAR W/S DETECTED")

1. Thrust to TOGA immediately
2. Sidestick full back — pitch for maximum climb
3. Speedbrakes RETRACT if extended
4. Wings level — fly through the shear
5. Don't change configuration until clear of the shear

The principle: trade airspeed for altitude, ride out the shear, recover. Reducing thrust or changing config during windshear can lose critical energy.

5. Unreliable airspeed

Triggered by ADR speed disagreement (CAPT, F/O, or STBY airspeed indicating differently). Memory actions:

1. Autopilot OFF, A/THR OFF, FD OFF
2. Establish a known pitch attitude and thrust setting:
   • Below FL100: 10° pitch up, 75% N1 (CFM) or 1.05 EPR (IAE), gear up, flaps as required
   • Above FL100: 5° pitch up, 75% N1/1.05 EPR
3. Identify the unreliable source by cross-checking with the third source (STBY)
4. Configure for safe flight using the QRH unreliable airspeed table

The pitch+thrust combination produces a known, safe flight regime regardless of what the unreliable instruments are showing. Build muscle memory for these numbers — they're flight-critical.

6. Runaway stabiliser / pitch trim

Triggered by uncommanded movement of the trimmable horizontal stabiliser. Memory actions:

1. Both pilots oppose the trim using sidestick
2. Disconnect autopilot
3. If trim continues: switch off both ELACs (then SECs if needed)
4. Manual pitch trim via the trim wheel

The A320's THS is mechanically trimmable via the trim wheel even when the FBW is in mechanical backup. Knowing this is critical.

7. Smoke/fumes immediate actions

Memory actions when smoke or fumes are detected:

1. Crew oxygen masks ON, 100%
2. Communication established
3. Signs ON
4. If source not immediately apparent: refer to QRH SMOKE/FUMES checklist

Crew oxygen at 100% is the immediate priority — protects the crew before they can analyse. Source identification (electrical, ECAM-driven, cabin-source) follows via QRH.

How to drill memory items

1. Verbalise daily — recite the actions out loud during commute, taxi, or downtime. Repetition is everything.
2. Cockpit familiarity — practise the physical actions on an A320 cockpit poster. The hand movements matter as much as the words.
3. Sim sessions — request additional sim time to drill memory scenarios; don't wait for the recurrent check.
4. Cross-pilot brief — brief memory items aloud with your F/O before challenging departures (high terrain, weather, complex airports).
5. Specific triggers — drill the recognition: stall warning sound, pull-up callout, cabin altitude warning, smell of smoke. Recognition speed matters.

Memory items are tested in every recurrent check, every type rating, and every airline interview. The expectation is verbatim recall under pressure. There's no acceptable level of "I think it goes..." — either you know it cold or you don't.