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FCU: Flight Control Unit
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The FCU is the interface allowing
A320's crews to input datas into the
Autopilot. It's located in the center
part of the cockpit, under the
windshield. |
The FCU has been recently redesigned to present a photo-realistic interface.
Click on the image to go directly to the appropriate explanation section
This new FCU version handles the "selected modes" of the AP and is ready
to handle the "managed modes" calculated by the MCDU/FMGC.
You can switch from selected mode to managed mode using the mouse.
When the mouse moves over the controlled area around a knob the shape of
the cursor changes allowing an unambiguous use of the functions.
6 different cursors have been created to identify the functions:
"PUSH" cursor to engage the managed mode
"PULL" cursor to engage the selected mode
"+/-" cursor are used to change the input value
"100/1000" cursor are used to change the increment of the altitude selector
(100ft or 1000ft)
The FCU enhances FS Auto Pilot by adding the TRK-FPA mode. In this
mode, better than a heading, you can specify a TRACK to the AP. You can
also chose a flight path angle in degrees instead of a vertical speed.This
TRK-FPA function is more particulary used for non-precision approaches (ie:
VOR DME app). The FCU also provide the PFD with specific datas, such as
speed trend vector and FD datas with the special symbology of this mode
Altimeter Setting window
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1. Baro Setting Display (1013mb) and Selected Mode
(QNH or STD)
2. Input knob: (PUSH: STD mode, PULL: QNH mode)
3. Flight Director ON/OFF switch
4. Landing System ON/OFF switch (enables Landing
system déviation bars [ILS or LLZ] to appear on the PFD) |
Nav Display window
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1: Database items to display on the ND (VOR,
NDB,...)
2: ND mode selector (ILS, VOR, NAV, ARC,
PLAN)
3: ND range selector (from 10toà 320Nm)
4: ND radio-navigation selectors NAV1/NAV2
(VOR/ADF) |
Speed Selection window
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1: Selected indicated air speed / mach display
2: Speed selecto knob (PULL: Selected Mode, PUSH:
Managed Mode)
3: Speed/Mach Mode Selector
4: Timer: (first click ON, second click OFF, third
RESET).
This button exists on the real airbus but is not located
here. The Timer is displayed on the ND. |
Heading/Track Selection window
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1: Selected Heading/Track
2: HDG/TRK Selector knob(PULL: Selected Mode,
PUSH: Managed Mode)
3: Localizer Mode ON/OFF (affects FD and/or AP) |
Autopilot Selection window/ ATHR (Auto-throttle)
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1: HDG-VS or TRK-FPA Mode Selector
2: Selected Mode Display (HDG-VS or TRK-FPA)
3: Autopilot 1 On/Off
4: Autopilot 2 On/Off (inop)
5: Auto-throttle On/Off (A/THR) |
Altitude Selection window
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1: Selected Altitude display
2: Altitude selector knob(PULL: Selected Mode, PUSH:
Managed Mode)
3: Increment Selector switch(100ft or 1000ft)
4: Expedite Function: Select the more effective settings
to descend or climb to a chosen Flight level, regarding
the aircraft current configuration (inop on this FCU
version)) |
Vertical Speed / Flight Path Angle Selection window
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1: Selected VS/ FPA
2: VS/FPA selector (PULL: engage VS or FPA mode;
PUSH: immediate level off regardless the selected
altitude)
3: Approach mode ON/OFF (Localizer+Glide path))
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NEWS
Registered users
of FCU version 1.0
:
Contact me if you
want to receive this
new version
The FCU is now
compatible
withFSBUS
Do your own FCU
hardware!!
More infos
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