Flap and spoiler indications

Flaps, slats and spoilers

FSS describes asymmetric spoiler use for roll assistance, symmetric multifunction-spoiler deployment for speed braking and broader ground-spoiler deployment after landing.

Before takeoff

Check the speedbrake lever and surface indications as part of the takeoff configuration.

During flight

Monitor speed and actual surface indications. FSS lists automatic flight-speedbrake retraction with slat/flap 2 or above, below 180 KIAS, or thrust-lever angle above 70 degrees. It also says flight speedbrakes are unavailable in direct mode.

During approach

Recheck the lever and surface state when configuring for landing. A handle position and actual surface deployment are separate checks.

After touchdown

Watch the aircraft response and EICAS during rollout. FSS says green OPEN and white GND SPLR appear when one ground-spoiler panel opens; that indication alone does not confirm every panel. Ground spoilers are unavailable in direct mode.

Unexpected surface movement

Record mode, flap position, airspeed and thrust-lever position before changing the configuration. Check the FSS system page for the relevant automatic condition.

FSS describes five spoiler panels on each wing. The three outboard panels on each wing are multifunction spoilers; the flight speedbrake uses those six panels. Ground spoilers use all ten. FSS speedbrake and spoilers ^[124].

If the flight speedbrakes retract automatically while the lever remains extended, check the lever position and any EICAS message. Speedbrake retraction discussion ^[125]. ^{[124] [126]}