a320
Which flight control surface is primarily responsible for pitch control?
Elevators
Describe the operational differences between the main and alternate braking systems.
The main braking system uses Green hydraulics for normal operation and includes anti-skid. The alternate braking system uses Yellow hydraulics and typically has reduced anti-skid or no anti-skid functionality, and may also be activated by the accumulator if Yellow pressure is lost.
What is the purpose of the PTU (Power Transfer Unit) in the A320's hydraulic system?
To transfer hydraulic power from the Green system to the Yellow system without transferring fluid.
Which button on the overhead panel would you press to activate the APU fire extinguishing bottle?
APU FIRE PUSH
Which of these systems is powered by the Yellow hydraulic system?
Cargo door operation
What is the function of the A320's Cabin Pressure Controllers (CPCs)?
To automatically control the outflow valve and regulate cabin pressure and climb/descent rates.
What is the function of the ELAC's 'priority logic'?
To determine which ELAC is active and which is in standby, ensuring only one controls surfaces.
In ALTERNATE LAW, which protection is still available?
Load factor protection
Which ECAM page automatically appears upon engine start completion?
ENGINE page
Describe the function of the A320's Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR).
The CVR records audio from the cockpit (pilot voices, radio transmissions, ambient sounds) for accident investigation. The FDR records various flight parameters (speed, altitude, control surface positions, engine data) to reconstruct the flight path and aircraft state prior to an incident.
Which hydraulic system is electrically powered for both its main and backup pumps?
Blue
Which component manages the operation of the A320's landing gear doors?
Landing Gear Control Interface Unit (LGCIU)
Which hydraulic system powers the emergency generator?
Blue
Which of these components is not typically powered by the Green hydraulic system?
Slats and flaps extension
Describe the fire protection system for the A320's engines.
Each engine has fire detection loops connected to the FWC. Upon fire detection, a warning is issued. The system includes two fire extinguisher bottles, which can be discharged into either engine bay via a discharge button in the cockpit, cutting off fuel and hydraulics.
Describe the main characteristics and limitations of the A320's APU.
The APU provides electrical power and bleed air on the ground and electrical power in flight (up to specific altitudes). It has a maximum operating altitude for bleed air extraction and a higher one for electrical generation. It is designed for unattended operation but has start limits.
What is the primary function of the A320's spoiler system?
To increase drag, decrease lift, and assist with roll control.
What is the maximum number of fuel pumps that can operate simultaneously in a single wing tank?
Two
What is the maximum permissible cabin differential pressure for the A320?
8.6 PSI
Name the three independent hydraulic systems on the A320.
Green, Yellow, Blue
What is the meaning of 'APU BLEED' light being illuminated on the overhead panel?
The APU bleed valve is open.
How is pitch trim typically controlled in Normal Law?
Automatically by the flight control computers
Describe the main components and function of the A320's Fuel System.
The fuel system consists of two wing tanks and one center tank, with fuel pumps to transfer fuel, jettison systems (on some variants), and a cross-feed system. Its primary function is to store fuel, supply engines and APU, and manage fuel distribution for balance.
Explain the purpose of the A320's FMS (Flight Management System).
The FMS integrates navigation, performance, and flight planning data. It allows pilots to input flight plans, calculate performance parameters, optimize routes, and guides the autopilot and autothrust systems throughout the flight.
Discuss the various modes of the A320 auto-flight system (AFS).
The AFS includes the Autopilot (AP) and Autothrust (AT). AP modes control the aircraft's flight path (e.g., ALT HOLD, HDG SEL, NAV, V/S). AT modes control engine thrust (e.g., SPD, THR CLB, IDLE). Both work together to manage the aircraft's flight profile according to FMS programming or pilot inputs.
If the aircraft's primary AC generation fails, which bus supplies power to the Captain's primary flight display?
AC Essential
In the event of a total loss of AC power, which generator provides emergency power to essential systems?
Ram Air Turbine
Describe the main differences between NORMAL and ALTERNATE braking modes.
Normal braking uses Green hydraulics and has full anti-skid protection. Alternate braking uses Yellow hydraulics and typically has degraded anti-skid protection or none, and it is activated if normal braking fails, using accumulated hydraulic pressure if necessary.
The A320's emergency exit lighting system is powered by:
Dedicated battery packs
Which component provides automatic anti-skid protection for the main landing gear wheels?
Brake and Steering Control Unit
What does the term 'CAT III' refer to in instrument landing systems?
A category of ILS approach allowing for very low visibility landings (e.g., CAT IIIb with RVR as low as 50m).
Which computer controls the A320's pitch and roll in Normal Law?
ELAC (Elevator Aileron Computer)
Describe the normal sequence of landing gear extension on the A320.
Upon selection of the GEAR DOWN lever, the gear bay doors open, the main and nose landing gear extend, and then the doors close (or remain open depending on the specific door) once the gear is locked down. This sequence is hydraulically powered by the Green system.
The A320's FADEC system controls which engine parameters?
Engine starting, thrust, and monitoring
What is the purpose of the 'PACK FLOW' selector on the air conditioning panel?
To adjust the amount of air supplied to the cabin
In the event of a total hydraulic failure of Green and Yellow systems, which systems would still be available?
Blue system powered by the RAT
Explain the purpose of the 'Ground Spoilers' during landing.
Ground spoilers deploy automatically upon main landing gear compression after touchdown. Their purpose is to increase aerodynamic drag, destroy lift (dumping the wing's lift), and thereby maximize the effectiveness of the wheel brakes, ensuring a shorter stopping distance.
Describe the A320's landing gear system, including its retraction/extension mechanism.
The A320 has a tricycle landing gear configuration with two main gear legs and a steerable nose gear. It is hydraulically actuated (Green system for normal operation) and electrically controlled. An alternate gravity extension system is available in case of hydraulic or electrical failure.
Describe the normal operation of the A320's pressurization system.
The pressurization system maintains a comfortable cabin altitude by regulating the outflow of cabin air using an outflow valve, controlled by two cabin pressure controllers (CPCs). It relies on bleed air for cabin air supply and operates automatically in normal flight.
Explain the purpose of the A320's bleed air system.
The bleed air system taps hot, compressed air from the engine compressors or APU. This air is used for air conditioning, pressurization, engine starting, wing anti-icing, and hydraulic reservoir pressurization.
Which system provides position and navigation data to the FMS?
ADIRU (Air Data Inertial Reference Unit)
In the A320's electrical system, the TRUs convert AC power to what type of power?
Direct Current
What are the three main flight control computers on the A320?
ELAC, SEC, FAC
Discuss the A320's anti-icing and rain protection systems.
The anti-icing system uses hot bleed air for the wings (outboard sections) and engine nacelles, and electrically heated windscreens, probes (pitot, static, AOA), and drain masts. Rain protection includes windshield wipers and rain repellent for the cockpit windows.
If the Yellow hydraulic system pressure drops, which component can be used to pressurize it from the Green system?
Power transfer unit
What does the 'VFE' speed represent?
Maximum flap extended speed.
What is the primary function of the A320's air conditioning packs?
To cool, condition, and regulate the temperature and flow of bleed air for the cabin and cockpit.
Discuss the various 'laws' of the A320's flight control system and when they engage.
The A320 has NORMAL, ALTERNATE, DIRECT, and MECHANICAL laws. NORMAL law provides full protections and flight path stability. ALTERNATE law engages after certain failures, offering reduced protections. DIRECT law means direct control surface movement from side stick input with no protections. MECHANICAL law is for severe failures, using rudder and THS via mechanical linkage.
Explain the purpose of the A320's auto-brake system.
The auto-brake system assists pilots during landing and rejected takeoffs by automatically applying wheel braking at a pre-selected deceleration rate or maximum effort. This reduces pilot workload and ensures consistent, optimized braking performance.
Explain the 'open circuit' and 'short circuit' protections in the A320's electrical system.
Circuit breakers protect against overcurrent due to short circuits by tripping, opening the circuit. Protection against open circuits (loss of connection) is not actively 'protected' in the same way, but system monitoring detects such failures and triggers appropriate warnings and redundancy activations.
What is the primary power source for the Green hydraulic system?
Engine 1 driven pump
What is the main purpose of the A320's APU fire extinguishing system?
To suppress a fire in the APU compartment
Explain the A320's 'Auto Call' system on the ECAM.
The ECAM 'Auto Call' system automatically generates verbal callouts for certain flight phases (e.g., '1000 feet', 'RETARD', 'MINIMUMS') or specific warnings/cautions, ensuring critical information is audibly delivered to the crew, reducing workload and improving situational awareness.
What is the significance of the magenta line on the Navigation Display (ND)?
It represents the FMS computed flight plan route.
Which component is primarily responsible for generating AC power from the APU?
APU generator
Which component is responsible for generating bleed air when engines are shut down on the ground?
Auxiliary Power Unit
What is the function of the FACs (Flight Augmentation Computers)?
To control rudder, rudder trim, yaw damper, windshear detection, and provide speed and characteristic speeds computation.
Explain the difference between 'FADEC normal' and 'FADEC manual' engine control modes.
In FADEC Normal mode, the FADEC automatically manages all engine parameters based on pilot thrust lever commands. In FADEC Manual mode (rarely used, usually for maintenance), the pilot has more direct control over specific engine parameters, bypassing some FADEC protections and automatic functions, primarily for engine starting and troubleshooting.
The primary source of AC electrical power on the A320 is provided by the:
Engine driven generators
Which system provides thrust control and engine monitoring for the A320?
FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control)
Which of these is a component of the A320's secondary flight controls?
Flap surfaces
Explain the purpose of the A320's ECAM system during abnormal operations.
The ECAM system provides pilots with clear, concise information regarding system failures, presents checklists, outlines appropriate actions, and monitors system performance during abnormal operations, ensuring an organized response to malfunctions.
What is the purpose of the A320's 'HOT AIR' system?
To provide trim air for temperature regulation in zones and anti-icing for water/waste pipes.
Which component is activated to provide emergency hydraulic power if all other hydraulic systems fail and the RAT cannot deploy or is insufficient?
Accumulator
Which fuel tank usually depletes first during normal flight?
Center tank
Explain the difference between 'FLEX' and 'TOGA' thrust settings for takeoff.
FLEX thrust is a reduced thrust setting used for takeoff when runway and aircraft performance allow, prolonging engine life. TOGA (Take-Off Go-Around) thrust is maximum available takeoff thrust, used for maximum performance takeoffs or go-arounds in emergencies.
Describe the A320's emergency lighting system, including its activation.
The emergency lighting system is battery-powered and consists of exit signs, floor path marking, and cabin lights. It can be armed (AUTO) from the cockpit and will automatically activate upon loss of normal aircraft power or severe deceleration. It can also be manually turned ON.
What is the typical maximum operating altitude for the A320?
41,000 feet
What is the purpose of the A320's APU?
To provide electrical power and bleed air on the ground or in flight (as backup).
What is the maximum engine oil quantity for a typical A320 engine (e.g., CFM56)?
24 quarts
Explain the A320's electrical system's load shedding philosophy.
The A320's electrical system automatically sheds non-essential loads (e.g., AC SHED bus, Galley bus) in the event of generator failure or reduced power availability to ensure essential systems remain powered. This prioritization maintains critical functions during abnormal electrical configurations.
What is the primary function of the A320's slats and flaps?
Generate additional lift
What is the function of the A320's 'GROUND SPOILERS'?
To increase drag and reduce lift during landing to enhance braking.
Which ECAM page displays information about the aircraft's doors and cargo bay doors?
DOOR/OXY
What is the maximum crosswind component for landing the A320?
38 knots (for typical operations, check FCOM for specific values)
What does 'FMS' stand for in the context of the A320?
Flight Management System
Explain how the A320's flight controls operate in NORMAL LAW.
In Normal Law, the flight control computers (ELACs, SECs, FACs) interpret pilot inputs from the side stick as demands for a specific flight path, attitude, or load factor, rather than direct control surface deflection. The computers then command the control surfaces to achieve these demands while providing protections like angle-of-attack, pitch, roll, and overspeed limits.
What is the primary function of the SECs (Spoiler Elevator Computers)?
To control spoilers and provide backup control for elevators.
Discuss the different types of ECAM warnings and indications on the A320.
ECAM displays warnings (red, level 3, immediate action), cautions (amber, level 2, attention), and advisories (amber, level 1, monitoring). Warnings involve a Master Warning light, aural alert, and red message. Cautions involve a Master Caution light, single chime, and amber message.
Explain the significance of the A320's 'RAT' (Ram Air Turbine).
The RAT is an emergency power source that deploys automatically in specific electrical or hydraulic failures (e.g., loss of both AC bus bars). It uses airflow to drive a hydraulic pump (for the Blue system) and an emergency generator, providing essential power to critical systems.
What is the normal operating pressure for the A320 hydraulic systems?
3000 PSI
Explain the significance of the 'ALPHA FLOOR' protection in the A320.
ALPHA FLOOR is an autothrust protection that engages automatically when the aircraft approaches a critical angle of attack, commanding TOGA thrust regardless of thrust lever position. It aims to prevent a stall by increasing engine power, and remains active until a safe angle of attack is recovered.
Which of these is a direct input to the ADIRU for calculating position?
GPS signal
What is the purpose of the EMER ELEC PWR panel?
To manually control the emergency generator and DC Essential Feed in case of power loss.
Which power source is used to start the APU when no external power is available?
Aircraft batteries
If the aircraft loses one engine, which AC bus bar automatically sheds to reduce electrical load?
AC SHED Bus
Describe the A320's oxygen system for both crew and passengers.
The crew oxygen system uses a high-pressure cylinder with individual masks for continuous flow. The passenger oxygen system uses chemical oxygen generators located above passenger seats, which activate automatically when cabin altitude exceeds approximately 14,000 feet, providing oxygen via drop-down masks for a limited duration.
Explain the purpose of the A320's TCAS (Traffic alert and Collision Avoidance System).
TCAS is an airborne system that monitors the airspace around the aircraft for other transponder-equipped aircraft. It provides pilots with traffic advisories (TAs) and resolution advisories (RAs) to help prevent mid-air collisions, instructing pilots on vertical maneuvers.
The A320's main hydraulic systems are cooled by:
Fuel-to-hydraulic heat exchangers
What does the 'S' speed represent on the speed strip of the PFD?
Minimum safe speed with slats extended and flaps retracted.
The A320 uses how many main air data inertial reference units (ADIRUs)?
Three
Which of these is NOT a component of the A320's wing anti-ice system?
Outboard wing leading edge
Explain the function of the autobrake 'MAX' setting.
Autobrake 'MAX' applies maximum braking effort immediately upon touchdown or brake pedal release after a rejected takeoff. It is used for shortest stopping distances, typically in emergency situations or on contaminated runways.
Describe the process of a manual engine start on the A320.
A manual start is initiated by selecting the IGN/START mode, followed by opening the engine master lever when N2 reaches a specified percentage (e.g., 22%). The pilot monitors engine parameters for a normal light-off and acceleration. This bypasses some FADEC automatic sequencing.
What is the primary function of the A320's static port?
To measure static air pressure for altitude and vertical speed indications.
Explain how the A320's fuel jettison system (if installed) operates.
The fuel jettison system allows for the rapid dumping of fuel to reduce the aircraft's weight to below its maximum landing weight. It involves dedicated jettison pumps and valves, typically in the outer wing, to discharge fuel overboard, usually controlled from the cockpit.
What is the function of the ELACs (Elevator Aileron Computers)?
To control elevators, ailerons, and the horizontal stabilizer (THS).
Describe the main components and function of the A320's nose wheel steering system.
The nose wheel steering system is hydraulically powered (Yellow system) and electrically controlled. It allows steering via a tiller in the cockpit and provides limited steering authority via rudder pedals. Its function is to maneuver the aircraft on the ground during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
During engine start, which system provides the air for engine cranking?
Bleed air supply
Which control surface does the FAC primarily control?
Rudder