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B737 unknown thing over MCP

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B737 unknown thing over MCP

Old 3rd Sep 2015, 17:21
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B737 unknown thing over MCP

Hey guys, I wonder what does it do, that cube*shaped solid over MCP - attached here as a photo?
Does anyone know what is it for?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/rquu3rt3988uq28/cube.jpg?dl=0

Thanks in advance.
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Old 3rd Sep 2015, 17:30
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B737 unknown thing over MCP

That monitors atmospheric conditions for suitability to activate chemtrail dispensing.
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Old 3rd Sep 2015, 17:45
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Am I correct in thinking its a reference point for pilots to adjust/align their seats?

FAR 25.773 (d) mandates installation of a 'fixed marker or other guide' in transport category aircraft to ensure that the pilots adjust their seating position such that they are positioned at the design eye reference point.
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Old 3rd Sep 2015, 17:52
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I thought it was an ambient light sensor for flightdeck lighting.
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Old 3rd Sep 2015, 18:03
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Right, it is remote light sensor for CDS.
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Old 3rd Sep 2015, 19:37
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Be a bit daft having it in glaring sunlight with the rest of the flight deck in shadow.
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Old 3rd Sep 2015, 20:39
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Guess Boeing was a bit daft then placing it there. Have to say though, display light level adjustment works a lot better on the 737 than on the bus.
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Old 3rd Sep 2015, 20:44
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So guys still not satisfied with the answer. What I've been told is that that's for a lightning strike, to get the static load to protect MCP.

Asked the guy for the reference but couldn't show me, that's why I wanted to ask yo,u folks.
So if anyone can explain with the reference instead of opinions, I'd appreciate.
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Old 3rd Sep 2015, 21:15
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Originally Posted by Manicured garden
So guys still not satisfied with the answer.
This ain't Shop-Rite, your satisfaction is not guaranteed. Not even promised, actually.
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Old 3rd Sep 2015, 23:37
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Manicured garden - ask your engineers...
Or find a reference in maintenance manual regarding glare shield construction to be able to "see" in manuals below the screwed on (top) cover.
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Old 3rd Sep 2015, 23:45
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Guess Boeing was a bit daft then placing it there. Have to say though, display light level adjustment works a lot better on the 737 than on the bus.
Automatic lighting control on the 737NG and other Boeing types involves both the glareshield sensors and the ones on the display units.

I have seen cases where the light sensors on the glareshield have been mounted backwards (maintenance error) causing the displays to go dim, even unreadable.

So guys still not satisfied with the answer. What I've been told is that that's for a lightning strike, to get the static load to protect MCP.
Did this coincide with April 1st?


Last edited by NSEU; 4th Sep 2015 at 00:03. Reason: Addition of link
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Old 4th Sep 2015, 02:40
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What I've been told is that that's for a lightning strike, to get the static load to protect MCP.
I hope he didn't really believe that & was actually having a laugh at your expense! Gave me a good laugh either way!

NSEU is correct.
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Old 4th Sep 2015, 09:13
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I think it is primarily to be used an attachment for the FO to secure his GoPro3 prior to any Facebook video upload.

Although I may be wrong.
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Old 6th Sep 2015, 09:11
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NSEU - Thanks for your serious answer & help.
Thanks a lot.
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Old 6th Sep 2015, 12:23
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Manicured garden, some references for your uninformed friend.
MMpt1 31-62-00-202CDS
MM 31-62-41
CMM 31-61-29
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Old 6th Sep 2015, 14:43
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It has the dual function of light sensor and somewhere to rest the end of a clipboard. Or GoPro...
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Old 6th Sep 2015, 17:03
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It serves the dual purpose of preventing you putting your clipboard properly on the glare shield and in providing a nice shiny surface to ensure an annoying reflection is cunningly placed on the windshield exactly in your line of sight.

Probably made by the same people who designed the seat adjustment mechanism to ensure the right position is not quite achievable
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Old 7th Sep 2015, 15:04
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The idea of placing a sensor in this position is to monitor the light level entering the cockpit window and control instrument illumination to track this level. So your eyes don't have to adjust too much when shifting your gaze from outside to the screens. Sensors on instruments work in conjunction with this to keep ambient light inside the cockpit from overpowering the displays.
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Old 7th Sep 2015, 16:39
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Hello all and I have a question for Airbuses pilots:

Does Airbus have a similar system, please?

Thank you so much!
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Old 10th Sep 2015, 06:29
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No, Airbus has a retractable table to do the job this sensor mostly does...
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