2.2 Key Characteristics

The A320 family introduced several innovations that define modern airliner operations:
Fly-By-Wire System
The aircraft is controlled electronically rather than mechanically.
Pilot inputs via the sidestick are interpreted by flight control computers, which:
Enhance stability
Prevent excessive maneuvers
Protect the aircraft from exceeding limits
Sidestick Control
Instead of a traditional control column, the A320 uses a sidestick.
Characteristics:
Located on the side of each pilot
Not mechanically linked between pilots
Inputs are processed electronically
ECAM (Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring)
The ECAM system provides:
System status information
Automatic failure detection
Step-by-step guidance in abnormal situations
This reduces pilot workload and improves situational awareness.