A380 question

[SoundLesS]

Hi.

Could an Airbus 380-pilot please explain what the differences are between the A320-series sidestick and the A380-sidestick? I have noticed that it doesn't have a "hole" for the thumb anymore but something gray covering it for instance...?

[Trent 972]

I went and poked my head into a A320 to compare, and they are identical to the A380 sidestick.
The A380 has the thumb indent, same as A320.

edit
Good spot Chris...
It is not on any of the 8 A380's I've flown. ???
QF A380's are the same as MSN01
Photos: Airbus A380-841 Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net
Must be a 'Desert Drivers' option, for those who suffer from 'Camel Thumb'.

[SoundLesS]

Here, you can see that there is something greyish where the thumb may be placed in the A320, what is that then?

Photos: Airbus A380-861 Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net

[mrdeux]

A reflection of the window.

[SoundLesS]

Great...but please look further out on the stick, for the FO at the far right side of the stick, for the CPT at the far left side of the stick...
Does somebody have any ideas?

[Microburst2002]

The "hole" for the thumb is still there, but yes, I can see a grey thing in the outer part

[MaxDiff]

A380 sidestick

The 380 sidestick has two controls on it......
1. PTT. (trigger at front of stick)
2. A/P disconnect (&) Priority sw. (Red button on top)

Source : 380 FCOM

[SoundLesS]

Trent 972:

Photos: Airbus A380-842 Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net

on this picture you can see your own airliners cockpit msn14 ? I believe I still can see it??? But maybe it's only on before delivery and after delivery they remove this "lock" on the thumb-hole...maybe...

[rudderrudderrat]

They are the security tabs which are removed after payment.

If you attempt to hide the aircraft under your clothing and go through the check out with these still attached - then the alarms go off.

[rudderrudderrat]

Hi christianwold,

There are some good flight deck views from this site.

A380 DELIVERY : Qantas : Virtual tour

Pan around using the mouse, or arrow keys. Zoom in and out using shift / ctrl or mouse scroll wheel.

[Max Angle]

Just had a look at the pics. and there is certainly a difference between these sidesticks and the ones on other Airbus FBW types. Possible that this is the new standard and they all look like this on brand new aircraft.