The view from the P3 seat
Turbine_D and A33Zab,
Thanks for your responses. The view in the photo is exactly what I have in mind and memory, and could easily be mistaken for an A320 centre-console. (I presume, however, it is an A330?)
Each pilot has a THS trim wheel. (Unlike the sidesticks, they are interconnected.) There is a THS-position indicator on the outside of each wheel. From the P3 seat, one or the other can easily be seen by moving your head and shoulders laterally to left or right. Do you now agree, A33Zab?
I cannot be completely sure in relation to the A330, but on the A320 you can also observe either sidestick, provided you lean forward slightly. This enables a training or check pilot to monitor the PF's handling of the sidestick, which is impossible from the PNF's seat. This is less easy, however, at night, because side-console illumination is low.
The clear view of the whole operation obtainable from the P3 seat is one of the arguments in favour of conducting line checks from that seat.
Last edited by Chris Scott; 7th Jul 2011 at 08:54.