# 3. Cockpit Layout

# 3.1 General Layout

The Airbus A320 cockpit is designed for efficiency, clarity, and automation management.

It is divided into three main areas:

- **Overhead Panel** (systems control)
- **Main Instrument Panel** (flight information & automation)
- **Pedestal** (thrust, navigation input, communication)

This standardized layout is identical across the A320 family.

# 3.2 Overhead Panel

The overhead panel is used to control and monitor aircraft systems.

Main sections include:

- Electrical system
- Fuel system
- Hydraulic system
- Air conditioning and pressurization
- Anti-ice systems

**Design principle:**

- “Dark cockpit philosophy”  
    → In normal operation, no lights should be illuminated  
    → Lights indicate abnormal or non-standard conditions

# 3.3 Main Instrument Panel

This is the primary area for flight control and monitoring.

#### Primary Flight Display (PFD)

Displays essential flight data:

- Attitude (pitch & bank)
- Airspeed
- Altitude
- Vertical speed

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</div>#### Navigation Display (ND)

Shows:

- Flight plan route
- Weather radar (if active)
- Navigation aids
- Terrain (if enabled)

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</div>#### ECAM Displays

The ECAM system consists of two screens:

- **Upper ECAM (E/WD):**
    - Engine parameters
    - Warning and status messages
- **Lower ECAM (SD):**
    - System pages (e.g. HYD, FUEL, ELEC)

**Purpose:**  
To provide automatic system monitoring and assist pilots in abnormal situations.

# 3.4 Flight Control Unit (FCU)

The FCU is located on the glare shield and is used to control the autopilot.

Functions include:

- Speed selection
- Heading selection
- Altitude selection
- Vertical modes (climb/descent)

**Key concept:**

- **Managed Mode** → aircraft follows flight plan
- **Selected Mode** → pilot manually sets values

# 3.5 Pedestal

The pedestal contains systems used during active flight management.

#### Thrust Levers

- Control engine thrust
- Include detents: 
    - IDLE
    - CL (Climb)
    - FLX/MCT
    - TOGA

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</div>#### MCDU (Multipurpose Control and Display Unit)

Used to interact with the Flight Management System (FMS).

Main functions:

- Route planning
- Performance calculations
- Navigation management

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</div>#### Radio and Communication Panels

Used for:

- ATC communication
- Navigation frequency tuning

# 3.6 Sidestick

Each pilot controls the aircraft using a sidestick.

Characteristics:

- Independent for each pilot
- No physical linkage between sides
- Inputs are processed by flight control computers

# 3.7 Summary

The A320 cockpit is designed around:

- Automation
- Clear information display
- Efficient pilot interaction

Pilots are expected to:

- Understand where systems are located
- Use automation effectively
- Monitor all systems continuously

A solid understanding of the cockpit layout is essential before performing operational procedures.