Narrative:

Just prior to top of descent; we received an ECAM message hydraulic G res low level. First officer completed the ECAM items and we reviewed the flight manual for any additional considerations. While the first officer monitored the airplane and ATC; I established a phone patch with dispatch. We informed them of the issue and advised that we would need a tow-in from the runway. I then briefed the flight attendants on the interphone of the situation and emphasized that cabin prep would not be required. After informing the passengers of the issue and assuring them of a normal landing; the first officer and I had time to discuss all the aspects of the approach and landing. When we switched to approach; we declared an emergency and advised that we would need the tow-in and would most likely be stopping on the runway. The weather was VFR and we completed the visual approach with no complications.the landing gear was extended using the manual gear extension procedure with no problems although the gear doors remained open and increased the noise levels in both the cockpit and first class. As we approached taxi speed on the rollout; I felt I had sufficient control to safely exit on the high speed turnoff. We stopped between the runways and shut down to await the tow-in. The airport authority safety personnel arrived with our maintenance crew and would not allow us to cross the runway until the hydraulic leak was stopped. That took about 10 minutes after the reservoir was depressurized. The tow-in was completed without incident. First officer was extremely helpful and efficient in providing input and suggestions and proved to be an invaluable resource through out the incident; his calm professionalism and ability to anticipate what was needed; made handling this event easy. He is one of the finest first officers I have flown with in my 12 years as captain.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: An A320 flight crew received an ECAM message HYD G RES LOW LEVEL. They ran the procedure; declared an emergency; and landed safely.

Narrative: Just prior to top of descent; we received an ECAM message HYD G Res Low Level. First Officer completed the ECAM items and we reviewed the Flight Manual for any additional considerations. While the First Officer monitored the airplane and ATC; I established a phone patch with Dispatch. We informed them of the issue and advised that we would need a tow-in from the runway. I then briefed the flight attendants on the interphone of the situation and emphasized that cabin prep would not be required. After informing the passengers of the issue and assuring them of a normal landing; the First Officer and I had time to discuss all the aspects of the approach and landing. When we switched to Approach; we declared an emergency and advised that we would need the tow-in and would most likely be stopping on the runway. The weather was VFR and we completed the visual approach with no complications.The landing gear was extended using the Manual Gear Extension procedure with no problems although the gear doors remained open and increased the noise levels in both the cockpit and First Class. As we approached taxi speed on the rollout; I felt I had sufficient control to safely exit on the high speed turnoff. We stopped between the runways and shut down to await the tow-in. The airport authority safety personnel arrived with our Maintenance crew and would not allow us to cross the runway until the hydraulic leak was stopped. That took about 10 minutes after the reservoir was depressurized. The tow-in was completed without incident. First Officer was extremely helpful and efficient in providing input and suggestions and proved to be an invaluable resource through out the incident; his calm professionalism and ability to anticipate what was needed; made handling this event easy. He is one of the finest First Officers I have flown with in my 12 years as Captain.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.