A321 NEO flight crew reported high vibration readings prompted them to operate the engine at idle thrust on descent and landing.
Synopsis
A321 NEO flight crew reported high vibration readings prompted them to operate the engine at idle thrust on descent and landing.
Narrative
Descending through 25000 we received an Eng 2 High Vib ECAM and it was showing 10.0. We ran the ECAM and it cycled multiple times going from 0 to 7 to 10. Our initial thought was it was a bad sensor based on how often the ECAM dinged and the way it went from 10 to 0 and back. After discussing it further we decided it was real based on when the power setting changed on how the vibration levels increased; it was difficult to check because we were in the descent to 250 and 10000 and mostly idle. All other indications were normal.I instructed the First Officer (FO) to leave engine 2 at idle. When I checked in with ZZZ Approach I [requested priority handling] so we could go directly to the approach for XXR. I called the flight attendants and told them the issue briefly and we would be performing a normal landing in 10 minutes. I sent the Dispatcher the ACARS code because I didn't have time for anything else. We landed normally and taxied to the gate; I did shut down 2 on the taxi in. Crash Fire Rescue (CFR) was out but not utilized.It was interesting looking back that we didn't believe what we saw because it didn't make sense initially. The issue was we were in the descent and the power was already back; so the ECAM went away. As soon as the power came up it reappeared and it took a few minutes to realize this issue. When we started leveling at 10000 is when I knew there was an issue and held ENG 2 at idle for the remainder of the flight.We worked well together and brainstormed our ideas for an uneventful landing.Cause: We were both mostly in the green throughout the flight. Talking through our ideas allowed us to quickly come to the conclusion that it's best to protect the engine by staying at idle.
Second reporter narrative
While cruising at flight level 320 we were instructed to cross ZZZZZ fix at FL240. Right before starting our descent at cruise power caution message came on about high vibration on the right engine. Captain relinquished to me all flying and communication with ATC while he was accomplishing all required check lists as per our SOP. After I initiated the descend while Captain performing his duties vibration caution message extinguished. After we leveled off power engaged back to cruising power and caution message reappeared. We realized that at the high power vibration is occurring therefore we agreed on reducing the right engine power to idle in order to reduce the risk of high vibration. Simultaneously the auto throttle was disconnected and I continued the rest of the flight without it. Captain [requested priority handling] with ZZZ ATC . We were provided priority and landed without further incidents. We accomplished all required check lists while keeping everyone in the loop. Arrived at the gate without further assistance from the ground crew.Cause: Do not know the cause. Mechanical. Recommend detailed Maintenance.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.