Cockpit EN

Cockpit EN
PFD ND ECAM ECAM Switching Panel Landing Gear Lever Autobrake Panel MCDU TCAS Radio Panel Attention Getter Panel EFIS CS EFIS FO FCU Light Panel

PFD


The Primary Flight Display (PFD) is the most important display in the cockpit of an airplane. It contains all the information, which can be obtained from the classical layout of instruments (“Classic Six”). It combines the following instruments: altimeter, artificial horizon, speed indicator, climb rate, turn‐and‐bank indicator and course indicator.

ND


The Navigation Display (ND) provides information about the course flown and can show the entire programmed flight route. Various additional information such as airports and waypoints can be displayed. Moreover, it shows other aircrafts as well as wind and wind direction and its effect on the aircraft.

ECAM


The Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring System (ECAM) consists of two displays, the UPPER ECAM and the LOWER ECAM. During standard setup the upper ECAM shows the Engine Warning Display and the lower ECAM shows the System Display.

The Engine Warning Display (E/WD) shows the engine parameters, fuel and the position of the flaps / slats. Furthermore, it displays warning messages in the event of faults as well as corresponding procedures. "NO BLUE", all instructions shown in green, is an Airbus philosophy and means all systems are "healthy".

The System Display (SD) shows and verifies all systems of the aircraft. E.g. status of the doors (open/closed), temperature of the brakes, control devices and the temperature with in the aircraft. The Switching Panel switches between the displays.

ECAM Switching Panel


Among other tasks, this panel serves to switch between displays of the Multifunction Display. Pilots can obtain different kind of information with the help of 12 buttons (see ECAM System Display). Moreover, there is one button to display the take‐off configuration on the ECAM.

Landing Gear Lever


The Gear Lever is used to retract and extend the landing gear. If the lever is up, the landing gear is retracted. To extend the landing gear, the lever must be pulled out slightly and moved down. If all the lamps light up green, the landing gear is fully extended and locked.

Autobrake Panel


The Autobrake Panel includes the display for the landing gear control. When the landing gear is down, the three lamps (LDG GEAR) light up green. The control for the automatic brake system (AUTO BRK) is located underneath.

MCDU


The Multi Purpose Display Unit (MCDU) serves as an interface between the pilot and the flight computer. All necessary information such as the route, altitude, speed, weight, weather information and fuelling must be entered before take‐off. This data is important for the autopilot to fly the aircraft correctly.

TCAS


TCAS = Traffic Collison and Avoidance System. On the one hand, this system serves as a collision warning system to identify and prevent potential collision risks. The TCAS communicates with the TCAS of other aircrafts in the area. It also contains the transponder (SQUAWK) in which a code assigned by the controller is entered for identification.

Radio Panel


The Radio Panel is used to set the radio frequencies. The pilots can only communicate with the ground stations if they are set correctly. It also sets the frequencies of the rotating radio beacons (VOR) and the ILS. Furthermore, it adjusts the volume of radio contact.

Attention Getter Panel


This Attention Getter Panel informs the pilot of a warning (red light) or to pay special attention (orange light). You can also specify which control handle (sidestick) has priority. The button for the stopwatch (Chrono) is also built into this panel.

EFIS CS


The EFIS Control Panel (Electronic Flight Instrument System) combines various functions. On the one hand, the current air pressure for the altimeter is entered. On the other hand, it is used to select the display mode in the navigation display (see ND).

EFIS FO


The EFIS Control Panel (Electronic Flight Instrument System) combines various functions. On the one hand, the current air pressure for the altimeter is entered. On the other hand, it is used to select the display mode in the navigation display (see ND).

FCU


The Flight Control Unit (FCU) is responsible for the settings of the autopilot. Speed, heading, altitude or the climb and descent speed can be set. There are also buttons for Auto Thrust (A / THR), which is necessary for the aircraft to control the engine power. Otherwise, it would be controlled by using the thrust levers.

Light Panel


The Light Panel adjusts the lighting of the Desktop‐Cockpit. Following settings are available: Illuminance of the displays, the digital numbers and the background of the panels.