B737 unknown thing over MCP

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3rd September 2015 | 17:21

#1 (permalink)

Manicured garden

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Joined: Dec 2011

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From: RAINBOW

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.

3rd September 2015 | 17:30

#2 (permalink)

Dash8driver1312

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 453

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From: Colchester

B737 unknown thing over MCP

That monitors atmospheric conditions for suitability to activate chemtrail dispensing.

3rd September 2015 | 17:45

#3 (permalink)

750XL

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 1,024

Likes: 37

From: England

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.

3rd September 2015 | 17:52

#4 (permalink)

Mikehotel152

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 1,246

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From: EU

I thought it was an ambient light sensor for flightdeck lighting.

3rd September 2015 | 18:03

#5 (permalink)

LEVEL600

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 60

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From: Prague

Right, it is remote light sensor for CDS.

3rd September 2015 | 19:37

#6 (permalink)

Chesty Morgan

Gender Faculty Specialist

Joined: Mar 2002

Aviation Qualifications: ATPL

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From: In your head.

Be a bit daft having it in glaring sunlight with the rest of the flight deck in shadow.

3rd September 2015 | 20:39

#7 (permalink)

Denti

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 4,563

Likes: 35

From: I wouldn't know.

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.

3rd September 2015 | 20:44

#8 (permalink)

Manicured garden

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Joined: Dec 2011

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From: RAINBOW

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.

3rd September 2015 | 21:15

#9 (permalink)

Amadis of Gaul

Joined: Jun 2014

Posts: 1,052

Likes: 72

From: Village of Santo Poco

Quote:

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.

3rd September 2015 | 23:37

#10 (permalink)

Skyjob

Joined: Jan 2000

Posts: 860

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From: FL410

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.

3rd September 2015 | 23:45

#11 (permalink)

NSEU

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 1,410

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From: Australia

Quote:

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.

Quote:

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 September 2015 at 00:03. Reason: Addition of link

4th September 2015 | 02:40

#12 (permalink)

Oakape

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 721

Likes: 1

From: Western Pacific

Quote:

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.

4th September 2015 | 09:13

#13 (permalink)

Mr Good Cat

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 887

Likes: 131

From: Location, Location

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.

6th September 2015 | 09:11

#14 (permalink)

Manicured garden

Thread Starter

Joined: Dec 2011

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From: RAINBOW

NSEU - Thanks for your serious answer & help.
Thanks a lot.

6th September 2015 | 12:23

#15 (permalink)

Yeelep

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 84

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From: Seattle, WA

Manicured garden, some references for your uninformed friend.
MMpt1 31-62-00-202CDS
MM 31-62-41
CMM 31-61-29

6th September 2015 | 14:43

#16 (permalink)

FullWings

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 2,349

Likes: 845

From: Tring, UK

It has the dual function of light sensor and somewhere to rest the end of a clipboard. Or GoPro...

6th September 2015 | 17:03

#17 (permalink)

Otto Throttle

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 361

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From: UK

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

7th September 2015 | 15:04

#18 (permalink)

EEngr

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 780

Likes: 89

From: Seattle

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.