A320 Flight Crew and Dispatcher comment on circumstances surrounding a false LAND ASAP message with no accompanying ECAM.
Synopsis
A320 Flight Crew and Dispatcher comment on circumstances surrounding a false LAND ASAP message with no accompanying ECAM.
Narrative
At gate while conducting preflight duties we received an Avionics Smoke ECAM. Visible condensation was present coming from all vents onboard the aircraft. I stopped the boarding process. The ECAM subsequently disappeared. No action was taken as all conditions were normal. Takeoff and departure were normal. At approximately 9000 FT we received a LAND ASAP message with no accompanying ECAM. The First Officer continued to fly as I researched the problem. When RCL (recall) was selected the Avionics Smoke ECAM was visible. No smoke was present in the cockpit or cabin (Flight Attendant's were contacted). We leveled off and began to return to MMUN. After a brief discussion we decided the ECAM was left over from the ground visible condensation condition. I contacted Dispatch and Maintenance to confirm the false LAND ASAP message referenced in the Flight Manual. With concurrence from Maintenance and Dispatch I used Captain's emergency authority to cycle the following circuit breakers as per Flight Manual guidance: FWC 1 SUPLY; FWC 2 SUPLY. The reset was successful and all indications returned to normal. I requested a new flight plan from VITAR Intersection with 25.0 FOB (fuel on board) to ensure FAR fuel was still on board. The flight proceeded without further incident. I have been told by our Dispatcher that this is a recurring situation in humid; tropical destinations. The procedure is in our Flight Manual. I am not sure why Captain's emergency authority must be used to solve a known system fault. Perhaps this needs to be addressed in a future Flight Manual revision.
Second reporter narrative
On departure crew got a 'Land ASAP' message. A phone patch was conducted with Maintenance; Dispatch and the flight. Crew followed the guidance in the Flight Manual for a 'false LAND ASAP message' with Dispatch and Maintenance concurrence. Captains Emergency Authority was required to be used per the Flight Manual guidance. Message was cleared and flight continued on to destination.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.