Master Question File ODD YEAR - Revision 5 Updated 9.20.23 Flashcards
What happens when a pilot presses and holds the MECH pb on the CALLS panel?
It illuminates a blue light on the EXT PWR PANEL and sounds an external horn
How should a pilot call the forward flight attendant?
Press the FWD button on the Calls Panel
Why is the GND CTL pushbutton selected to ON during preflight?
To record preflight activities in the cockpit
When would a pilot push the EMER pushbutton on the CALLS panel?
When there is an emergency, and the Pilot would like to speak with Flight Attendant A
What allows the cabin PAs to be recorded?
ACP 3 PA volume knob out and set at or above the medium range
What is the difference between the automatic RAT deployment and manual RAT deployment by pressing the RAT MAN ON on the HYD panel?
RAT MAN ON supplies Blue Hydraulic pressure only, no electrical generation
If the pushbutton was not selected ON, how would the system work in automatic mode? (Ground recording)
- On the ground during the first 5 minutes after the aircraft electrical network is energized
- On the ground after the first engine start
- In flight (whether the engines are running or not)
- On the ground, it is stopped automatically 5 minutes after the last engine shutdown provided the CVR jack is not used.
How can the RAT be deployed?
- Manually by pushing MAN ON (EMER ELEC PWR Panel) or RAT MAN ON (HYDRAULIC Panel).
- Automatically by the loss of both AC BUS 1 and AC BUS 2
What is the significance of the red FAULT illuminating on the RAT & EMER GEN light?
AC BUS 1 and AC BUS 2 are lost, and the emergency generator is not supplying electrical power
After deploying the RAT by pressing the RAT MAN ON pushbutton on the HYD panel it becomes necessary to also extract electrical power. How can this be accomplished?
By pressing the MAN ON pushbutton on the EMER ELEC PWR
When would the red FAULT light on the RAT & EMER GEN light normally illuminate?
The fault light will illuminate once the RAT is deployed and electrical power is not being supplied (approximately eight seconds)
Aside from the GEN 1 LINE SMOKE light, what would be other indications of avionics smoke?
- ECAM warning
- Amber FAULT lights in the EXTRACT and BLOWER pushbuttons on the VENTILATION panel.
What would cause the GEN 1 LINE SMOKE light to illuminate?
Smoke detectors (particle detectors) in the avionics ventilation ducting
What does the RAT supply?
Blue Hydraulic System pressure and the emergency electrical generator
If the ECAM directs a pilot to select GEN 1 LINE pb sw to OFF, what will be accomplished?
- Gen 1 line contactor opens (white OFF light illuminates)
- AC BUS 1 powered by GEN 2 through the Bus Tie Contactors
- Gen 1 powers one fuel pump directly in each wing tank
Why do we select the CAPT position using the CAPT and CAPT/PURS sw?
- The alert may only be activated from the cockpit
- If one of the cabin CMD pushbuttons is pressed, only the cockpit horn sounds for 3 seconds
While conducting the Emergency Evacuation Checklist, the pilots determine that evacuation is required. How should the pilots command an evacuation?
- Make a PA announcement
- Press the EVAC COMMAND pushbutton
What type of flight control system does the A320 family aircraft utilize?
Fly-By-Wire system
Describe how the flight controls are controlled and activated.
Electrically Controlled and Hydraulically Activated
How is NORMAL LAW indicated on the PFD?
- Green “=” for pitch, bank, and over speed limits
- Amber/black (ALPHA PROT) airspeed tape
How is ALTERNATE LAW indicated on the PFD?
Amber Xs (indicating lack of NORMAL LAW protections)
How is DIRECT LAW indicated on the PFD?
- Amber “USE MANUAL PITCH TRIM”
- Amber Xs (indicating lack of NORMAL LAW protections)
Name the Flight Control Computers and the number of each
- ELAC – Elevator Aileron Computer (2)
- SEC – Spoiler Elevator Computer (3)
- FAC – Flight Augmentation Computer (2)
How is MECHANICAL BACKUP indicated on the PFD?
- Red “MAN PITCH TRIM ONLY”
- Amber Xs (indicating lack of NORMAL LAW protections)
When operating in NORMAL LAW in flight mode, what does the side stick command for pitch and roll?
- Pitch – G load
- Bank – Roll rate
What is the significance of the Side Stick Priority (Red Arrow) Light?
The other pilot has gained side stick authority
What should happen to the THS after landing?
Reset to zero
What does SEC 3 control?
Spoiler Control – one flight spoiler and one ground spoiler on each wing
Describe some of protections a pilot will have in NORMAL LAW?
- High Speed
- High Angle of Attack (AOA) Protection
- Load Factor Limitation +2.5G / -1.0G (+2.0G / 0.0G With Flaps/Slats)
- Pitch Attitude Protections (30° UP / 15° DN)
- Bank Angle Protections (67°)
Describe High Speed Protection
If VMO/MMO plus a predetermined factor is exceeded, the system induces a pitch-up input to limit aircraft speed.
What, if anything, can a pilot do to override high-speed protection pitch up?
It is not possible to override a protection while still in NORMAL LAW. In this case, the aircraft would need to be forced into ALTERNATE LAW (by turning 2 ADRs off, for example).
How does High Angle of Attack Protection operate?
When the angle of attack exceeds ALPHA PROT, nose up pitch trim ceases and angle of attack is now proportional to side stick deflection, not to exceed ALPHA MAX even with full aft side stick deflection.
What is ALPHA MAX?
The maximum angle of attack allowed in NORMAL LAW, indicated by the top of the red strip on the airspeed scale.
If in ALTERNATE LAW, when will the aircraft revert to DIRECT LAW?
If the controls degrade to ALTERNATE LAW for any reason other than recovery from abnormal attitude, DIRECT LAW automatically becomes active with gear extension and autopilots not engaged. In this case, full use of autopilot is recommended until they must be disconnected.
What protections and stabilities, if any, does a pilot have in ALTERNATE LAW?
- Load Factor
- High speed stability
- Low speed stability
What protections, if any, does a pilot have in DIRECT LAW?
None
When, if at all, does flare mode activate in ALTERNATE LAW? Describe the whole process.
There is no flare mode if operating in ALTERNATE LAW. The aircraft proceeds directly from ALTERNATE LAW to DIRECT LAW when the gear is selected down, and flare mode will not be available.
When is there a direct relationship between side stick and flight control surface deflection?
- When in DIRECT LAW
- On the ground (Ground Mode)
It’s common Airbus philosophy that the Airbus cannot stall in NORMAL LAW. However, there are conditions in which it can. Describe how this can happen.
A skilled pilot knows anything can happen. Preventative systems like ALPHA PROT may misread data, making it hard to predict Airbus stalls in NORMAL LAW. Always recognize stall signs and recover, regardless of control law.
If the flight crew is flying at 300 knots and they happen to pull full back on the side stick, how high can they pitch up?
30° up
How would the aircraft enter ABNORMAL ATTITUDE LAW?
By exceeding approximately double the NORMAL LAW limits.
What is the purpose of ABNORMAL ATTITUDE LAW?
Allows the aircraft to be recovered from an unusual attitude.
If the pilot selects 100 knots on the speed knob, how slow would the aircraft fly if the autopilot and auto thrust are engaged?
VLS
Describe, in detail, what would happen if the pilot slowly pulled the thrust levers to idle in Normal Law.
- THS adjusts pitch to keep altitude as airspeed drops.
- At ALPHA PROT, stick controls angle of attack, not G load.
- Since pitch trim ceases, to fly slower than ALPHA PROT speed, continuous back pressure is needed.
(pilot slowly pulled the thrust
levers to idle in Normal Law.)
Continuing the scenario above, describe what would happen if the flight crew continued to pull back on the side stick. How slow would the aircraft go?
- The speed corresponding to ALPHA MAX
- With the stick full aft, the elevators will adjust the pitch attitude to maintain a maximum safe angle of attack (ALPHA MAX). This maximum angle of attack, induced by the pilot, is slightly lower than the stall angle of attack; therefore, the aircraft theoretically cannot be stalled in NORMAL LAW.
(pilot slowly pulled the thrust
levers to idle in Normal Law.)
At some point during this demonstration the AUTOTHRUST automatically applies TOGA power. What is this protection, and how does it work?
- ALPHA FLOOR is a function of AUTOTHRUST. It will activate at any airspeed based on angle of attack and automatically apply TOGA thrust regardless of thrust lever position.
- ALPHA FLOOR is available if the AUTOTHRUST is functional (it does not need to be active), an engine is running (not both), and the aircraft is in NORMAL LAW.
- Angle of attack protection does not depend on ALPHA FLOOR to function.
- On NEO aircraft, ALPHA FLOOR is inhibited above M 0.6
Describe what would happen if a flight crew attempted to overstress the aircraft while in NORMAL LAW.
- Maneuver protection prevents a pilot from over stressing the aircraft by limiting flight control inputs.
- If G loads become greater than normal, they are displayed in amber on the lower ECAM above the digital clock.
- When the side stick is pushed forward, less than 1G is commanded. A given pitch input always results in the same pitch response regardless of airspeed.
- When the stick is returned to neutral, the new pitch is held constant regardless of airspeed changes.
When a pilot rolls into a bank, what is provided by the Flight Control Laws?
- In NORMAL LAW “flight” mode, side stick controls roll rate via ailerons, spoilers 2-5, and rudder, with various protections.
- Roll rate is proportional to stick deflection; neutral stick holds 0°/sec roll rate for constant bank.
- Full stick deflection commands 15°/sec roll rate.
- Stick position doesn’t indicate actual control surface positions.
- Automatic pitch trim helps maintain altitude in turns up to 33°.
- Releasing stick beyond 33° bank returns to 33° due to positive spiral stability.
- Above 33° bank, spiral stability is active, auto pitch trim off; constant stick pressure needed for bank and altitude.
The pilots find themselves in MECHANICAL BACKUP. What functions are available?
- MECHANICAL BACKUP control is provided for the rudder and THS in the event of a complete loss of flight control computers or electrical power, provided that there is hydraulic pressure.
- Although the aircraft can be flown indefinitely in this condition, it is intended
to be used only as long as it takes to restore the computers. - Note the E/WD warning message and red “MAN PITCH TRIM ONLY” indication on the FMA. There isn’t a specific mechanical backup ECAM message.
- The side sticks are inoperative. Pitch is controlled with the trim wheel via the mechanical connection to the pitch system.
- Roll and yaw are controlled through the rudder pedals and the mechanical connection to the rudder.
- In reality, the failure of only four flight control computers may result in mechanical backup: Both ELACs and SEC 1 and 2 fail, all computerized pitch control is lost. In this case, because SEC 3 is still available, the side sticks can control roll using one spoiler on each wing, but pitch control is mechanical.
What will happen if the pilot over speeds the aircraft? Are there any protections that are available to the pilots?
- Over speed triggers nose-up input to reduce damage, overriding full forward stick.
- Activation speed shown as a green “=” on airspeed indicator.
- Over speed warning at VMO+4, silenced only by EMER CANCEL.
- Releasing stick returns speed to VMO/MMO; brief increase to VMO+16/MMO+0.04 allowed.
- Spiral stability set to 0° bank angle, down from 33°; max bank limit reduced to 40°.
- If high-speed protection is active, spiral stability occurs at all angles, requiring control pressure for any bank >0°.
- Overspeeding is possible; computers cap max speed.
The pilots find themselves in ALTERNATE LAW. Describe the indications and available protections, and flight control logic.
- Single component failure usually doesn’t degrade flight control, except for issues like a jammed stabilizer.
- Amber Xs and E/WD message indicate degradation; “PROT LOST” on ECAM but some protections remain.
- Autopilot in ALTERNATE LAW depends on type of failure; generally available if primary control surfaces unaffected.
- Pitch remains as in NORMAL LAW, roll is direct, yaw loses turn coordination.
- High/low speed and AoA protections lost; replaced by high/low-speed stability.
- High-speed stability inhibits nose-down trim; low-speed stability inhibits nose-up trim.
- Pilot can override stabilities to over speed or stall.
- Roll sensitivity varies with speed and stick deflection; no bank angle protection.
- Maximum roll rate may double based on failure combination.
- No attitude limits; green “=” signs on PFD replaced by amber Xs; positive spiral stability lost.
- Turn coordination always lost in ALTERNATE LAW; yaw damping and rudder functions available if FAC operational.
The pilots find themselves in DIRECT LAW. Describe the indications, protections, and flight control logic.
- When in ALTERNATE LAW, there is no landing mode that would provide consistent control during landing for all possible failure combinations. Consequently, the flight controls transition to DIRECT LAW when the landing gear is extended and autopilot is off.
- DIRECT LAW is very unlikely in flight. It usually results from lowering the gear while in ALTERNATE LAW.
- An ECAM message is generated and says “PROT LOST”. Unlike in ALTERNATE LAW, this is now true. There are no protections or stabilities available in DIRECT LAW.
- The message “USE MAN PITCH TRIM” in amber is displayed on the FMA because automatic pitch trim is lost.
- Pitch control is direct. Load factor demand is lost. Pitch sensitivity or control is a factor of airspeed and the amount flight control deflection. Roll control is the same as ALTERNATE LAW (direct relationship with no protections).
If the RWY TURN OFF, LAND, and NOSE switches are all in the ON position, which lights automatically extinguish after takeoff?
The NOSE and RWY TURN OFF lights extinguish when the landing gear is retracted
What is the difference between position 1 and 2 on the NAV & LOGO Toggle Switch?
Separate bulbs
Why do we place the NO SMOKING SIGN to AUTO instead of ON?
It allows the EMER EXT LT to charge their batteries
When do the strobes flash in AUTO?
When the main landing gear is not compressed
What occurs when the EMER EXIT LT switch is placed to OFF?
- All lights OFF
- Amber EMER EXIT LT OFF light illuminates
What flight deck lighting is available if normal electrical power is lost?
- Captain’s instrument panel
- Right dome light (provided DOME switch set in DIM or BRT)
- Standby compass
What is accomplished if the WING anti ice pushbutton is selected ON while the aircraft is on the ground?
The system will self-test for 30 seconds, and then the valves will close until the aircraft is airborne.
What does the WING FAULT light illumination on the ANTI ICE panel indicate?
- Valve disagreement (comes on momentarily when valve in transit)
- Low pressure
What does the ENG 1(2) FAULT light illumination on the ANTI ICE panel indicate?
Valve disagreement (comes on momentarily when valve in transit)
What part of the wing is heated?
Outboard 3 slats
After selecting the probe/window heat pb on the ground to remove ice or fog on the window. Would the pilot need to select it off before T/O?
Yes, so it can operate in the automatic mode.
In what position do the WING and ENGINE anti ice valves fail if electrical power is lost?
- Wing – valves CLOSE
- Engine – valves OPEN
What is the significance of high swept wings versus less swept wings in ice accumulation?
The more swept the wing, the less time for the moisture to attach.
The temperature outside is 2°C with visible moisture. What should the flight crew turn on?
ENG anti ice after engine start
After takeoff, when should the flight crew turn on the WING anti ice?
WING anti ice can be used after the aircraft is in a clean wing and when conditions warrant its use.
A flight crew is arriving to the aircraft in DTW early in the morning and notice that cockpit windows are frosted over. What should the flight crew do?
Select the PROBE/WINDOW HEAT on. This must be selected off prior to takeoff in order to regain normal system logic.
Climbing through FL240 in visible moisture, the crew notices the TAT is -22°C and the SAT is -45°C. What would be appropriate use of the ENG anti-ice?
Engine anti ice may be turned OFF in this scenario. Engine anti ice is required when icing conditions exist or are expected except during climb or cruise when the SAT is below -40°C.
Starting a descent out of FL350 with visible moisture, the TAT is -32°C and SAT is -53°C, what would be the appropriate use of the ENG anti-ice?
Engine anti-ice must be ON during the descent in icing conditions even if SAT is below -40°C.
Descending through 10,000ft, the pilots notice ice accumulation on the cockpit windshield blades. What should they do?
Turn on the WING anti ice. WING anti ice may either be used to prevent or remove ice accumulation from the wing leading edges. After takeoff, WING anti ice can be used after the aircraft is in a clean wing configuration. Ice accumulation can be detected by observing the ice indicator located between the two cockpit windshields or by observing the windshield wipers blades.
What is TAT?
Total Air Temperature is also called Indicated Air Temperature (IAT) or Ram
Air Temperature (RAT)
Can the WING anti ice be used on the approach and landing?
Yes, but it should only be considered in severe icing because second
segment climb performance could be affected if a go-around is performed.
What is SAT?
Static Air Temperature is also called: Outside Air Temperature (OAT) or
True Air Temperature
Should a flight crew use TAT or SAT when determining whether to turn anti ice systems on?
Remember TAT indicates when to turn anti ice ON. SAT indicates when it
may be able to be turned OFF.
What is the minimum battery voltage?
25.6V
What would a pilot do if BAT voltage is 25.5 or below on originating preflight?
Charge the batteries with external power by selecting BAT pushbuttons to
AUTO
How long should the batteries be charged?
20 minutes, then recheck the voltage
Explain how to conduct the BAT check. What if it fails the test?
- Select ELEC on ECAM
- Turn BAT 1 & 2 OFF then ON
- Check BAT charge current is < 60 amps and decreasing within 10 seconds
- If it fails the test, wait until the end of the charging cycle, and repeat the test
Describe the electrical power system.
- three-phase 115/200-volt 400-hertz constant frequency AC
- 28-volt DC
- Produces AC and some transformed into DC
- 3 generators, each can supply whole network
- If all normal AC gens lost, emergency gen can supply AC power.
- If all AC generation is lost, DC can transform to AC via batteries
If all AC power is lost, what happens?
DC power from the batteries is converted into AC.
What would be an expected indication in the GEN pushbuttons prior to engine start?
FAULT indication
Define and describe an IDG.
- Integrated Drive Generator
- Takes variable engine output and gives a constant output
How would a pilot disconnect an IDG?
Lift the red guard and push the IDG pushbutton, being careful not to hold the
pushbutton for longer than three seconds.
How would an IDG be reconnected?
This cannot be done by the flight crew – it is a maintenance function
Describe the function of the BUS TIE in AUTO.
- Allows a single source to power AC BUS 1 and 2
- Allows connection of the APU GEN or EXT power to system
- Inhibits multiple sources connected simultaneously
How is the AC ESS bus normally powered?
From AC bus 1
If GEN 1 fails to supply AC Bus 1, what happens?
Gen 2 (or APU GEN if available) powers the system through the bus tie
If AC BUS 1 fails, how is the AC ESS bus powered?
AC bus 2 automatically feeds the AC ESS bus
What indication will be present on the ELEC panel that AC BUS 2 is feeding the AC ESS bus?
AC ESS FEED ALTN light illuminated only if the switch is manually selected.
What does a GALLEY fault light indicate?
At least one generator load is above 100% rated output
Explain the AUTO function of the GALLEY pushbutton.
Sheds main galley if only 1 GEN is available
What buses are powered by the EMER GEN?
- AC ESS BUS
- AC ESS SHED
- DC ESS BUS by the ESS TR
- DC ESS SHED
How is the BATTERY BUS normally powered?
DC BUS 1 through the DC tie contactor
What does a BAT FAULT light indicate?
- Battery charging current outside limits
- BAT contactor opens.
When are the batteries connected to the battery bus?
- APU start
- Battery charging
- AC BUS 1 & 2 not powered and airspeed below 100 knots
Where are the engine fire loops (heat) sensors located?
- Pylon nacelle
- Engine core
- Fan section
How many fire loops are installed per engine?
Two (Loop A and B)
In the event an engine fire, what action arms the fire extinguishing squibs?
Pushing to release the ENG FIRE pushbutton
What happens if both engine fire loops fail simultaneously?
FIRE warning will be issued (if the failure occurs within 5 seconds)
What does an amber DISCH light on fire panel mean?
Bottle has lost its pressure either by a fault or pilot selection
How many fire bottles are provided for each engine?
2
How do you conduct a successful engine fire test?
- ENG 1 and 2 FIRE pb-sw checked in and guarded
- AGENT 1 and 2 light checked off
- ENG 1 and 2 TEST pb press and maintain to check:
- ENG FIRE pb lighted read + SQUIB and DISCH lights on
- CRC + MASTER WARN lights
- ENG 1(2) FIRE warning on ECAM ENG SD page displayed
- FIRE light (on ENG panel) on
What would occur if the APU is running and an APU fire is detected on the ground? In flight?
- On the ground, APU EMER shut down and bottle discharge
- In the air – no automatic functions
Following a cargo smoke indication and subsequent discharge of the cargo smoke bottle, what would be the expected indication on the CARGO SMOKE panel?
The SMOKE light and associated ECAM warning may remain illuminated due to the halon concentration present in the cargo compartment.