Airbus family cargo bays
 

Hi,
Had a couple of questions particularly for the A 340 (345/346) with regards to the cargo bays.

Do the lights in the cargo bays stay on during flight? No reason for them to be so, but just curious. Also, I know the cargo lights are switched on from the door control panel mounted on the fuselage outside, but can these lights be switched on/off from within the aircraft (cockpit, or avionics cabin for the fwd cargo)?

Some Airbus family aircraft have 2 doors (one on either side) leading from the avionics bay to the forward cargo bay. Does the A345/6 have a single or two door config?

Background - The above questions came up while on a discussion on fires that erupted in cargo bays due to faulty lighting etc.

Thanks

They're controlled by air/ground logic. Once airborne, the lights go off even if the switch is left on.

Potential fire risk, so "logical" to de-power them.

Thanks guys.
Yes, seems right to switch them off on air/ground logic. This tragic accident apparently started in the aft cargo. The write up states as a possible reason - "Typical causes of Class D cargo compartment fires included baggage contacting airplane electrical components such as lights, and items being carried in passenger baggage or mailbags."

Air/ground logic is sound, but wouldn't it be safer if the light were switched off when the cargo doors were locked? What could be the reason to leave them on while the aircraft is still on the ground - waiting at the gates, taxiing, holding, etc.?

Maintenance. You may want to have lights on in the cargo bay even with the door locked in order to perform maintenance.