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FLIGHT CONTROLS INTRODUCTION

Q: What does the A320 Flight Controls operate with?

The A320 Flight Controls operate with the 'Fly By Wire' (FBW) concept, this FBW concept reduces crew workload and enhances safety.

30 important questions on FLIGHT CONTROLS INTRODUCTION

How many channels does each SFCC have?

Each SFCC has two channels, one for the slats and one for the flaps.

How is the yaw control surface managed?

The Yaw control surface is a single rudder controlled by FAC 1 or by manual control through the rudder pedals. The FAC automatically controls yaw damping and turn coordination, so that under Normal Flight control Law, no manual rudder input is required by the pilot. Rudder Trim is available through FAC 1 by use of a switch on the center pedestal.

How is the condition of the ELACs and SECs normally displayed?

The condition of the ELACs and SECs is normally displayed in green with a gray box. Failures or turned off computers display in amber.

How do the green symbols for each flight control move during surface deflection?

The green symbols for each flight control move over a fixed white scale during surface deflection.

What does the A320 Flight Controls operate with?

The A320 Flight Controls operate with the "Fly By Wire" (FBW) concept, this FBW concept reduces crew workload and enhances safety.

Where is the flap lever located?

The flap lever, located on the right side of the pedestal, operates the slats and flaps.

What happens if control effectiveness is low and/or rate command is high in roll control?

If control effectiveness is low and/or rate command is high, the ELAC will send a signal to the SECs to augment the roll rate commanded.

How is the Pitch Trim position displayed?

The Pitch Trim position is digitally displayed.

How many spoiler panels are on each wing and what are they controlled by?

There are 5 spoiler panels on each wing. They are controlled by SECs 1, 2, and 3. The four outboard panels (2, 3, 4, and 5) are for roll augmentation to assist roll commands.

What happens to the green symbols for each flight control during surface deflection?

The green symbols for each flight control move over a fixed white scale during surface deflection, and the Pitch Trim position is digitally displayed.

How are the A320 Sidestick or Auto-pilot electrical outputs used?

The A320 Sidestick or Auto-pilot electrical outputs are sent to seven Electronic Flight Control System (EFCS) computers that send electrical signals to electrically controlled hydraulic actuators.

What controls yaw inputs according to the yaw control computers?

The FAC or the rudder pedals control yaw inputs.

What happens to the center panels on each wing during flight?

During flight, the 3 center panels on each wing (2, 3, and 4) can be deployed as Speedbrakes by pushing the SPEEDBRAKE handle down and pulling it aft.

What does the small blue line below the scale represent in the Rudder Trim Control?

The selected rudder trim is displayed by a small blue line below the scale.

How many Elevator Aileron Computers (ELACs) are there and what do they provide?

There are two Elevator Aileron Computers (ELACs) that provide Elevator/Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer (THS) control and Aileron control.

How does the FAC control yaw damping and turn coordination?

The FAC automatically controls yaw damping and turn coordination, so no manual rudder input is normally required by the pilot.

When are the Ground Spoilers armed?

The Ground Spoilers are armed when the SPEEDBRAKE handle is lifted when the handle is in the set position. On the ground, all 5 panels on each wing (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) deploy to act as Ground Spoilers. The handle does not move during Ground Spoiler actuation.

How is the flap and slat position displayed on the E/WD?

The flap and slat position is displayed on the E/WD, and is indicated by white dots.

How are both the rudder and pedal deflection limited?

Both the rudder and pedal deflection is limited as a function of speed by a rudder travel limiter.

What do the Spoiler Elevator Computers (SECs) provide?

There are three Spoiler Elevator Computers (SECs), that provide Spoiler control and two of the SECs also provide a back-up source for Elevator/Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer (THS) control.

What limits pitch and roll inputs to prevent excessive maneuvers?

Pitch and Roll inputs are limited by the ELACs to prevent excessive maneuvers to prevent flight operation outside the flight envelope in Normal Flight control Law.

What indicates the rudder travel limit?

The rudder travel limit is indicated by small white marks in the high speed condition.

Through what do the ELACs and SECs send signals to the EIS?

The ELACs and SECs send signals through two Flight Control Data Concentrator computers (FCDC) to the EIS (engine indicating system).

What do the Flight Augmentation Computers (FACs) provide?

There are two Flight Augmentation Computers (FACs), that provide Rudder control.

Where is the position of all primary flight controls displayed?

The position of all primary flight controls are displayed on the ECAM F/CTL page.

Where are the panels that control the flight control computers located?

The panels are located on the overhead panel.

What are the pitch control surfaces?

The pitch control surfaces are two elevators and a Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer (THS) controlled by ELAC 2.

What is the normal position of the switches on the flight control panels?

The switches on this panel are normally in the ON position.

What does the forward or aft movement of the side stick command?

The forward or aft movement of the side stick commands a pitch rate signal to one ELAC.

How does airspeed affect control effectiveness?

As airspeed varies, control effectiveness varies directly so control surface deflection requirement varies indirectly.

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

a320 FLIGHT CONTROLS

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