"Larry Dighera" wrote in message Why doesn't the Airbus A-320 have the
ability to dump fuel?

Fuel dumping is for the purpose of lowering the landing weight to a level
acceptable to the airframe's strength. It's also used in newer planes for
meeting climb gradient requirements. The A-320's airframe will withstand a
normal landing at max take-off weight. The manual states that vertical
descent rate should be 300fpm or less at touchdown. Maintenance then
performs a quick check of the airframe and returns it to service.
Fuel-dumping isn't needed. The same thing goes for the DC-9 & MD-80 series.
An exemption for fuel-dumping certification is printed on the front of the
airworthiness certificate.

Circling to burn fuel for 3 hours will lower the landing speed only about 9
knots. However, in that time, the crew can talk with maintenance to perform
some alternate landing gear procedures. They can talk to dispatch as to a
suitable diversion airport. They can talk to ATC about the best runway to
use for least risk and least inconvenience to other users. They can brief
with the cabin crew and then brief with the passengers about what to expect.
They can talk to Crash/Fire Rescue for good coordination. I'm thinking that
a ground evacuation wasn't ordered because CFR notified the crew that there
was no fire. That has to happen quickly through good communication before
some yahoo passenger yanks the overwing exit and breaks his ankle going down
the slide. Notice that the time spent circling allowed LAX authorities to
have stairs and busses in place as soon as the plane stopped.

D.