A320
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 125; Flight Crew Total 21800; Flight Crew Type 4200
Distraction; Confusion; Communication Breakdown; Human-Machine Interface; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Procedure
While cruising at FL360; [we had the] Number 1 FMGC failed. Approximately 15 minutes later; the Number 2 FMGC failed while we were running through the QRH in accordance with Maintenance's directions. Number 1 FMGC failed to reset after performing the Circuit Breaker reset procedures and it made the no FMGC condition worst while following the QRH. Number 2 was still having NAV engaged and Number 2 autopilot still engaged. We advised Maintenance and elected not to continue with the reset till we are closer to our destination airport for fear of losing Number 2 System completely with no Auto Flight capabilities. (We did reset Number 2 FMGC as we were less than a 100 NM from our filed destination in accordance with the QRH and Number 2 failed to reset also.) [We] notified ATC of Unable RVSM as well as Unable RNAV. [We] descended to FL280 per ATC instructions. [We] reverted to Standby NAV remainder of the flight. [We] advised Dispatch of our problems. Uneventful approach and landing Runway 25L.
Both FMGCs on an A320 failed in flight and would not completely reset so the flight descended out of RVSM and continued to their destination in Standby NAV.