Flight control check a320
Joined: Nov 1999
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 3,150
Likes: 744
From: UK
Hi vilas, I take your point about not using the maltese cross in case of confirmation bias, and have modified my own method to now look at the SD FIRST and announce the control movement that I see - in accordance with Airbus SOPs - but then I check that the maltese cross agrees in the correct sense. This is a gross error check, in case the Captain does not pick up a wrong call or selection because they are distracted by taxying events.
Interestingly, when the F/O does their 'silent control check', no verbal or visual check is made by the Captain of that process, which is interesting, especially if the take-off is performed by the F/O. How does the Captain know and cross check that the F/Os controls are wired correctly?
Interestingly, when the F/O does their 'silent control check', no verbal or visual check is made by the Captain of that process, which is interesting, especially if the take-off is performed by the F/O. How does the Captain know and cross check that the F/Os controls are wired correctly?
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Holding at DESDI
Guys, I don't know why this is becoming so complicated! The only reason for the cross check in the case of the PF's check is because he's looking outside, and not at the screens!
The PM doesn't need to look outside for those few critical seconds that it takes to do the check (under normal circumstances).
During LVO, when Airbus recommends both CMs look outside, the checks must be done with the aircraft stationary!
Simple, no?!
The PM doesn't need to look outside for those few critical seconds that it takes to do the check (under normal circumstances).
During LVO, when Airbus recommends both CMs look outside, the checks must be done with the aircraft stationary!
Simple, no?!
Joined: Nov 1999
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 3,150
Likes: 744
From: UK
In my company the control checks are rank specific. The captain does the initial control checks, and I, the F/O, announces them, and does the secondary silent checks.
But how does the captain know that my control checks are correct, since I don't announce the checks, and the captain, who is eyes outside taxying cannot see what I am doing??
If I am PF, how can the captain be sure my controls are wired correctly for the take-off?
But how does the captain know that my control checks are correct, since I don't announce the checks, and the captain, who is eyes outside taxying cannot see what I am doing??
If I am PF, how can the captain be sure my controls are wired correctly for the take-off?
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Sandpit
Uplinker, As PM I guess airbus assumes that you can check them yourself. The CM1/PF doesn't have the luxury of verifying the SP page. Just as the PM can check the gear/flaps up etc., i.e. read & do. Don't know the philosophy behind it, but thinking aloud, seems to be ok as is.
Joined: Nov 1999
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 3,150
Likes: 744
From: UK
Well, you say that, but it seems odd to me that while I am supposed to carefully double check and verbalise the Captain's controls, they do not check mine at all. It would be a bit embarrassing - to say the least - if I did not notice that my side stick was cross-wired and proceeded to take off as PF.........
