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Old 6th Sep 2008, 21:01
  #1525 (permalink)  
PJ2
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: BC
Age: 76
Posts: 2,484
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XPMorten;
Do modern EICAS systems in any way warn you if a CB has been pulled?
Yes, the Airbus A320/A340 series fleet types indicate open CB's on the lower ECAM display. These messages come on when the event occurs, or are otherwise hidden from the crew until the "STATUS" button is pushed during the cockpit check to inform crews of these and other messages as to the status of the aircraft. These messages may be recalled at any time and reviewed.

That said, there are very few CB's in this fleet type's cockpits. Most are downstairs in the E&E Bay.

The Air-Ground sensing on the Airbus is substantially different than previous types and has no CB's as such to "interrupt" sensing and is instead controlled and monitored by 2 "LGCIUs"...Landing Gear Control Interface Units. These two computers alternate between 1 and 2 on each leg. The receive inputs from proximity and position detectors on the gear shock absorbers, gear doors, cargo door components and locking mechanisms, door sills and 4 flap attachments (slat attachments are not mentioned). In other words it is not a single-point failure design such as one which senses nosewheel oleo compression. Keep in mind that the latter design philosophy was sufficient at the time and that the Airbus technology was developed long after. In other words, this isn't a "Boeing vs Airbus" thing, please.
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