PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Implied A320 Electrical systems issues....
Old 13th Aug 2008, 01:31
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PJ2
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
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NoD - Correct.

The expanded ECAM pages are referenced below - the active date indicates that this is a known issue with a straightforward solution. The occurence is certainly disconcerting as could be the result - loss of the airplane in IMC conditions if the following procedure isn't followed. The issue here is not that the problem can't be resolved to achieve safe flight but that the circumstances are challenging, requiring a read-and-do checklist, likely from the OBL paper manual vice the lower ECAM (which would, if I recall correctly, be displaying engine data - that said, again if I recall, the drill "underneath" the engine data can be retrieved using the RECALL button). I am aware of at least one operator which required that the cockpit overhead light remain "ON" (in the 'dim' position) throughout flight at night (or for approach) so that illumination of the needed instruments was immediately available - obviously a temporary, but pro-active SOP.



ABNORMALS 1.02.24 P3
ELECTRICAL POWER Dec 01/06


ELEC AC BUS 1 FAULT

AC BUS 1 normally supplies the AC ESS BUS and, through TR1, the DC ESS BUS. In case
of an AC BUS 1 FAULT both the AC and DC ESS BUS will be lost and therefore the AC
ESS BUS FAULT and the DC ESS BUS FAULT will be displayed on the ECAM. However,
both AC and DC ESS BUS can be recovered by switching the AC ESS FEED pushbutton
to ALTN as displayed in the AC ESS BUS FAULT ECAM procedure.


–BLOWER..................................................... ................... OVRD
The avionics ventilation system is in the closed circuit configuration.
Air conditioning is added to the ventilation air.
WHEEL N.W. STEER FAULT
VENT EXTRACT FAULT
– EXTRACT..................................................... .................. OVRD
Affected systems
* AVNCS VENT
* HYD
* FUEL
* F/CTL

etc....

Though they may not be unfamiliar with controversy and perhaps even seek it, the editors of "The New Scientist" should not be employing the word "dangerous" to describe this issue as it is not normally a scientific term but is, rather, a sensationalist term in journalism. A scientific magazine should be more circumspect and reserved, especially when they are only repeating stories rather than discovering for themselves what the issue is which would enable them to write about it from a basis of knowledge.

The above Airbus "Abnormals" procedure is also described in the NTSB paper to EASA thus: "After landing, the flight crewmembers observed that the "AC ESS FEED" pushbutton on the overhead panel had an illuminated fault indication for the AC 1 electrical bus.5 Both crewmembers stated that this fault indication was not illuminated in flight. They then manually selected the AC essential electrical bus feed to "alternate,"6 which reconfigured the power supply. After this selection, the captain’s instruments, as well as most of the failed aircraft systems resumed functioning."
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