Pedro:
The following response to you is based on a briefing a few years old. What you describe looks to already be in place. There may be small changes to this that I am unaware of. (I don't fly the A330, but the system design for this feature looks pretty straightforward to me).
The handgrip includes two switches :
- A/P disconnect/sidestick priority push-button (On top of sidestick).
- Push-to-talk button (Trigger, on front of sidestick).
Captain and First Officer priority lights, located in the glareshield, provide indication if either has taken the priority for his sidestick orders.
A sidestick priority lights are next to each pilkot's EFIS CTL display.
a. The Captain's side stick priority light comes on green-"Captain" if he pushes his priority button and the other pilot has the stick deflected.
The F/O sees a red arrow pointing at the Captain.
b. The FO's side stick priority light comes on green-"F/O" if he pushes his priority button and the other pilot has the stick deflected.
The Captain sees a red arrow pointing at the F/O.
c. If either has set the stick to neutral, then the other pilot pushing the button yields no other light, but does show a red arrow pointing at the other pilot.
The process is "c" is how I presume most changes in "I have control" "you have control" take place. Stable platform, no deflection at time of control change. Standard CRM techniques would apply.
However, there is this to consider ...
Priority logic
• Normal operation : Captain and First Officer inputs are algebrically summed.
• Autopilot disconnect pushbutton is used at take-over button.
• Last pilot who depressed and holds take-over button has priority ; other pilot’s inputs ignored.
• Priority annunciation : (three things happen)
- in front of each pilot on glareshield
- ECAM message
- audio warning.
• Normal control restored when both buttons are released.
It would seem that sufficient thought went into this design that typically rated transport pilots would have no trouble in establishing who has the controls, and gives warning when there is a control change.
Last edited by Lonewolf_50; 17th September 2012 at 17:35.