A320 Cockpit Tour Inside the Flight Deck of Europe’s Workhorse Aircraft

A320 Cockpit Tour Inside the Flight Deck of Europe's Workhorse Aircraft - Main Instruments in the A320 Flight Deck

The A320 cockpit's Primary Flight Display (PFD) is the core instrument for pilots, presenting a consolidated view of critical flight data like airspeed, altitude, and heading. The Flight Management Display Unit (FMDU) complements this by supplying details on GPS location and ground speed, ensuring accurate navigation. At the heart of the cockpit sits the Central Pedestal, the hub for various avionics and control systems. Pilots manipulate the aircraft through the use of sidesticks, which offer a more intuitive control experience compared to older style yokes. The Audio Control Panel (ACP) is essential for managing radio, navigation, and intercom audio, allowing pilots to stay on top of communications and maintain optimal situational awareness. The A320's advanced systems offer automated flight control, enhancing navigation and making the cockpit a remarkably efficient space for the demands of modern air travel. Despite all the technological advancements, the A320 cockpit remains a complex environment, requiring rigorous training and skill for its safe operation.

The A320 cockpit's core instruments include the two Primary Flight Displays (PFDs). These screens act as the pilots' primary visual interface, presenting vital flight parameters like altitude, airspeed, and aircraft attitude. This real-time data is critical for maintaining situational awareness throughout the flight.


The Flight Management Display Unit (FMDU) is a key component for navigation, displaying data such as ground speed, GPS coordinates, and estimated time of arrival. It is integral to the Flight Management System (FMS), enabling route optimization and automated flight planning, particularly for complex flight profiles like descents and climbs.


The A320 utilizes a trim wheel to adjust the aircraft's trim settings, ensuring a balanced and stable flight. Trim control helps pilots minimize manual input, reducing fatigue and workload during long-haul flights.


The cockpit's central area, the Central Pedestal, houses a vast array of controls and avionics systems. This centralized location keeps crucial systems in easy reach of the pilots, including the sidesticks, which have replaced traditional yokes for aircraft control.



The Audio Control Panel (ACP) is the hub for managing communication channels. It seamlessly integrates radio communication, navigation, and intercom systems, allowing seamless communication with air traffic controllers, ground personnel, and other crew members.


The A320's flight deck is packed with numerous panels for specific functions, including the instrument panel, glare shields, and overhead panels. These different interfaces provide the pilots with a comprehensive means to access and control various systems, enabling efficient management of aircraft operations.


A320 flight deck simulators, such as the FDSA320FTD, provide an accurate replica of the cockpit environment. These simulators offer a valuable tool for pilot training, allowing them to practice handling various flight scenarios in a risk-free environment, covering the instruments and flight controls.


Automation in the A320 has revolutionized the flight experience. Pilots rely on advanced flight control systems to automate flight phases, which enhances safety and fuel efficiency. These systems also streamline routine procedures and can adapt quickly to changing conditions.


Detailed visual representations of the A320neo flight deck are easily accessible, allowing anyone to virtually explore the layout and understand the interaction of the different systems. This interactive feature can greatly assist with educational or operational planning purposes.


The integration of navigation and communication systems is a vital aspect of the A320 cockpit design. By effectively providing pilots with a continuous feed of real-time data, the cockpit offers a holistic view of the aircraft's operational status throughout all flight phases. This interconnectedness ensures seamless operation and supports quicker and more informed decision making during complex flight situations.

What else is in this post?

1. A320 Cockpit Tour Inside the Flight Deck of Europe's Workhorse Aircraft - Main Instruments in the A320 Flight Deck
2. A320 Cockpit Tour Inside the Flight Deck of Europe's Workhorse Aircraft - Advanced Navigation Systems on the A320
3. A320 Cockpit Tour Inside the Flight Deck of Europe's Workhorse Aircraft - Autopilot and Flight Management Computer
4. A320 Cockpit Tour Inside the Flight Deck of Europe's Workhorse Aircraft - Communication Equipment in the Cockpit
5. A320 Cockpit Tour Inside the Flight Deck of Europe's Workhorse Aircraft - Emergency Systems and Redundancies
6. A320 Cockpit Tour Inside the Flight Deck of Europe's Workhorse Aircraft - Differences Between A320 and Other Airbus Models

A320 Cockpit Tour Inside the Flight Deck of Europe's Workhorse Aircraft - Advanced Navigation Systems on the A320

The A320's navigation systems are a significant factor in its success as a commercial aircraft. The aircraft's Flight Management System (FMS) plays a crucial role in optimizing routes and ensuring accuracy through the use of GPS technology. The FMS also automates challenging flight stages like ascent and descent, easing the workload on pilots. Integrating modern technologies such as the Audio Control Panel (ACP) and the two Primary Flight Displays (PFDs) enables seamless management of communications and flight data. The central role of the ACP in handling radio, navigation, and intercom audio streamlines communication, while the PFDs provide a streamlined view of critical flight parameters for the pilots. This integrated approach improves situational awareness, a critical element for informed pilot decision-making, particularly in complex airspace conditions. With an emphasis on operational efficiency, the A320's navigation systems provide a blend of advanced capabilities and a pilot-friendly interface that contributes to its popularity within the aviation industry. While innovative, the system remains highly complex, demanding intense training to achieve a high level of operational safety.

The A320's flight control system is based on a Fly-By-Wire (FBW) architecture, where conventional mechanical linkages are replaced by electronic signals. This not only reduces aircraft weight but also provides a safety net through built-in limitations on extreme control inputs, preventing potential pilot-induced accidents.

The A320's navigation suite is built around an Inertial Reference System (IRS) using gyroscopes and accelerometers. This allows the aircraft to calculate its own position and movement, even in situations where GPS signals are lost. This enhances navigation reliability, especially in challenging environments.

GPS technology plays a crucial role, integrated with the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS). Besides offering real-time tracking of the aircraft's position, the EGPWS alerts pilots about potential terrain collisions, significantly improving safety, particularly during operations with reduced visibility.

The A320's Flight Management System (FMS) leverages real-time updates to performance data based on the current weather conditions. This capability contributes to fuel-efficient flight planning and, as a result, lowers airline operating costs.


Extensive training is required for pilots to master the A320's advanced autopilot capabilities, covering a wide range of flight phases from takeoff to landing. The autopilot system processes various flight parameters, allowing for smooth transitions and greatly reducing pilot workload.

The Multi-Function Control and Display Unit (MCDU) serves as the pilot's interface for flight planning, accessing navigation data, and monitoring aircraft performance. Its user-friendly design helps minimize distractions during flight, improving overall cockpit efficiency.

The navigation systems in the A320 are versatile and support both conventional Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and newer Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) procedures using satellite data. This allows for more accurate route planning, particularly in congested airspace or when weather conditions are challenging.

The aircraft's Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) architecture allows for easy upgrades to software and functionalities without major hardware modifications. This adaptability allows airlines to integrate newer technologies and enhances performance more efficiently.

The A320's avionics suite includes a system for ARINC 429 data bus communication, facilitating real-time, high-speed data exchange between different aircraft systems, including navigation, flight controls, and warning systems. This fast data flow improves the overall efficiency and performance of the aircraft.

The A320 cockpit design prioritizes ergonomics with user-friendly interface elements, enabling pilots to seamlessly manage multiple systems without excessive cognitive strain. This focus on design helps reduce the risk of human error during crucial phases of a flight.

A320 Cockpit Tour Inside the Flight Deck of Europe's Workhorse Aircraft - Autopilot and Flight Management Computer

The Airbus A320's flight deck heavily relies on automation, with the autopilot and Flight Management Computer (FMC) at the core of its operations. The autopilot system offers two main operating modes: "managed" and "selected." In the "managed" mode, the Flight Management Guidance System (FMGS) takes the reins, automatically guiding the aircraft based on pre-programmed parameters. However, pilots retain control via the "selected" mode, allowing them to manually input desired flight parameters like speed and altitude. This duality ensures flexibility and responsiveness for pilots.

The FMGC acts as a central brain for several critical functions, including coordinating the autopilot, the flight director, and autothrust. This interconnectedness ensures a smooth and consistent flight experience. Autothrust, which is linked to the FMGS, automatically adjusts engine thrust depending on the flight's needs and conditions, significantly impacting fuel efficiency. However, this level of integration creates a complex operating environment for pilots, underscoring the need for thorough training to fully grasp the intricate interplay of these systems. In the end, the A320 cockpit is a testament to advancements in aircraft technology but still requires pilots who can adapt quickly to this modern and automated cockpit environment.

The A320's autopilot, a marvel of modern aviation, boasts impressive precision, holding altitude and heading within a remarkably tight margin of 10 feet and 1 degree, respectively. This level of accuracy is crucial, particularly in busy airspace where even slight deviations can have major consequences.

Beyond simple course holding, the autopilot manages a variety of flight phases, from takeoff to landing, effectively freeing pilots to concentrate on higher-level tasks and safety considerations. This multi-phase automation is a testament to the system's sophistication.

Reliability is paramount in aviation. To this end, the Flight Management Computer (FMC) utilizes dual redundant systems. Should one computer fail, the other seamlessly takes over. This redundancy is a cornerstone of a robust and resilient flight management system.

One of the safety-enhancing features built into the autopilot is flight envelope protection. This intelligent system prevents the aircraft from exceeding predefined boundaries for speed, altitude, or bank angle, guarding against pilot errors during critical moments. It serves as a helpful safety net in complex flight situations.

Navigation on the A320 leverages a combination of GPS and inertial reference systems, a smart approach that ensures position accuracy even when GPS signals are weak, like in urban canyons or mountainous terrain.

Furthermore, the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) collects data on over 120 flight parameters, providing detailed insights for safety analyses and investigations. This level of data logging is vital for understanding aircraft performance and identifying potential areas for improvement in training or equipment design.

The pilot's interface for flight planning, the Multi-Function Control and Display Unit (MCDU), is thoughtfully designed to be intuitive and minimize pilot workload. Its user-friendliness reduces mental strain, leading to better situational awareness.

However, the complexity of this sophisticated system demands extensive pilot training, often exceeding 60 hours of simulator sessions. This rigorous training is crucial for building proficiency in handling the automated systems and responding confidently to malfunctions.

The A320's Flight Management System (FMS) displays a clever ability to adapt to dynamic conditions. It continuously adjusts flight profiles in response to real-time weather and air traffic updates. This ability allows airlines to optimize fuel efficiency and improve punctuality, demonstrating a focus on efficiency.

Finally, the A320's avionics are built upon an Integrated Modular Avionics architecture. This design makes software updates and upgrades seamless, without requiring extensive hardware replacements. This adaptability enables the aircraft to integrate new technologies and stay technologically current throughout its service life.

A320 Cockpit Tour Inside the Flight Deck of Europe's Workhorse Aircraft - Communication Equipment in the Cockpit

Within the A320 cockpit, communication equipment is vital for seamless interactions between the flight crew and external entities like air traffic control, as well as internal communication between the pilots themselves. The Audio Control Panel (ACP) is the central hub, enabling pilots to effortlessly manage audio signals from different sources, encompassing radio transmissions, navigation aids, and internal intercom. Improvements like the Digital Radio and Audio Integrating Management System (DRAIMS) have brought about a notable enhancement to sound quality and reduced interference. This is particularly advantageous during busy periods, ensuring crystal-clear communication between pilots and air traffic controllers, even in complex airspace environments. Furthermore, the cockpit voice recorder acts as a black box, capturing all crew communications and critical announcements for analysis and safety improvements. To further ensure high fidelity in sound recording, microphones are optimally located throughout the cockpit. The quality and reliability of this communication equipment are paramount to maintaining safe and efficient operations for the A320, a central player in European air travel. While advances in technology have helped improve communication, the complexity of these systems demands careful training and vigilance by flight crews to avoid miscommunications.

The A320 cockpit features a sophisticated communication system, operating within the VHF radio spectrum (118-137 MHz) for clear communication with air traffic control. Maintaining seamless contact is paramount for safety and situational awareness throughout the flight.

A notable aspect of the A320's communication setup is the integration of a Digital Voice Recorder (DVR). This system captures and stores all cockpit conversations and radio transmissions for a 30-minute period. The recorded data serves as a valuable resource for training purposes and in-depth safety investigations.

The A320's communication infrastructure isn't limited to a single radio frequency. Pilots can communicate with different entities concurrently, including air traffic control, ground services, and other aircraft. This multi-frequency capability is especially beneficial in congested airspaces.

The A320 utilizes an Integrated Communications Management System (ICMS) to simplify radio selection. This automated system intelligently selects the appropriate channels based on the aircraft's operational phase. This approach reduces pilot workload and improves overall situational awareness.

Airbus implemented a high-speed data bus, known as ARINC 629, to enable rapid and reliable information exchange between various systems. This advanced network facilitates critical operations like navigation and flight control via real-time data transfers.


The A320's communication panel allows pilots to send pre-recorded messages. This feature is helpful during high-stress or busy scenarios when immediate communication is required, reducing the cognitive load of crafting and transmitting messages. It comes in handy for regular tasks like announcing position reports or confirming clearance instructions.

The A320’s communication setup supports an Air Traffic Control (ATC) messaging system compliant with ACARS standards. This automated data exchange system allows the aircraft to send and receive information like flight plan updates and operational messages from ground stations.

An essential safety element is the communication-related alert system. Should communications with air traffic control be interrupted, distinct audible warnings alert the pilots to the potential loss of communication. This immediate feedback helps ensure pilots are aware of critical issues.


The A320’s cockpit design emphasizes redundancy within the communication system. Having multiple independent communication systems means if one radio fails, pilots can swiftly switch to a backup, ensuring uninterrupted communication throughout the flight.

Beyond external communication with air traffic control, the A320 also incorporates an intercom system that facilitates seamless communication between cockpit crew and cabin crew members. This enhances crew coordination, particularly during critical phases of the flight like take-off and landing, contributing to a safer and more efficient operation.

A320 Cockpit Tour Inside the Flight Deck of Europe's Workhorse Aircraft - Emergency Systems and Redundancies

The Airbus A320, a mainstay in European air travel, isn't just about advanced technology; it's built with a strong emphasis on safety and resilience. This is particularly evident in the various emergency systems and backup solutions woven into its design. For instance, a built-in Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) automatically sends out a distress signal upon an impact, making sure help can be summoned quickly in a critical situation. The A320's philosophy extends to its critical systems, like flight controls and communications, where multiple backup systems are available. If one system fails, a duplicate instantly takes over, making sure the aircraft remains controllable even in unexpected circumstances. Furthermore, the existence of an evacuation command switch, able to trigger alerts both in the cockpit and passenger cabin, highlights the A320's focus on rapid and effective evacuation procedures. The A320's approach is a compelling example of how modern aircraft design combines cutting-edge technology with well-thought-out emergency procedures. It is a testament to Airbus' commitment to prioritizing passenger and crew well-being through both innovative technology and detailed planning for the unexpected.

Emergency Systems and Redundancies


The A320 incorporates multiple independent sources and backup systems, contributing to its impressive safety record. A prime example is the duplication of critical displays, like the Primary Flight Displays (PFDs). If one PFD malfunctions, the second one seamlessly takes over, offering a continuous stream of vital flight data to the pilots. This redundancy is a crucial element for mitigating risks in the event of component failures.

Airbus adopted a clever approach to oxygen generation on the A320. Rather than relying on heavy and bulky compressed gas cylinders, the aircraft utilizes a chemical reaction-based system. This system, which relies on sodium chlorate, produces oxygen on demand. It simplifies the equipment and significantly reduces the weight compared to conventional designs. Whether or not this approach leads to simpler maintenance in the long run remains to be seen.

The A320's Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) system also exemplifies a design philosophy of fault tolerance. This system allows individual modules to take over the functions of other modules that may have experienced a failure. In effect, the IMA ensures that a failure of a single component won't lead to a cascade of issues, thus minimizing the potential consequences. However, the complexity of such a system may make debugging any malfunction significantly more intricate.

The Fly-By-Wire (FBW) system is another remarkable aspect of the A320’s design. This system effectively acts as a safety net, preventing inadvertent pilot inputs that might lead to critical issues, for example, during unexpected turbulence or extreme control inputs. It is a great example of how technology can enhance safety by actively preventing certain kinds of pilot errors. Though pilot training in these systems is highly specialized.

The redundancy concept is also extended to the autopilot system. Dual redundant autopilot computers are employed. In the event of a failure in one computer, the other instantly takes control, ensuring continuous and reliable operation. This crucial redundancy prevents potential loss of aircraft control and highlights the importance of this design feature.

Beyond the technological aspect, the A320 utilizes an extensive array of checklists for a wide range of emergencies and failure scenarios. These checklists are not just a simple list of steps but are carefully designed from a cognitive psychology perspective. It is aimed at providing pilots with a structured approach and framework to deal with unexpected events and ensure proper responses under highly stressful circumstances. A potentially excellent solution, assuming pilots have been trained properly.

Communication redundancy is a key safety feature. The A320 offers alternative communication options in case of the primary system's failure, including standby radios and satellite systems. This ability to maintain contact with air traffic control or other aircraft even with a damaged primary communication system contributes to the aircraft's robust design for emergencies. But is this approach truly failsafe given the fact that many modern aircraft rely on more and more sophisticated communications systems with the potential for hidden vulnerabilities?

The Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) on the A320 is specifically designed to prevent ground collisions. Through advanced algorithms, it provides predictive alerts, giving pilots more reaction time compared to older systems. It will be interesting to see if the algorithms and data used for the system are robust enough to prevent misjudgments in unpredictable and complex terrains.

Modern aircraft technology is incorporated into the A320 with the integration of a Digital Engine Control system. This system provides real-time insights into engine performance and flags any operational anomalies to the crew. It's one more layer of safety and control for the pilot to manage the engines effectively. While its real impact on preventing accidents remains to be seen.

Finally, the A320's integrated data collection systems amass a large amount of performance data. With over 800 parameters recorded every second, the data are utilized for real-time problem identification as well as long-term analyses. This continuous data flow aids in understanding and improving the aircraft's reliability and effectiveness in the long run. Is this data ultimately used for improving safety? While it can surely be useful for certain aspects, the overall safety effect is difficult to quantify in advance.

A320 Cockpit Tour Inside the Flight Deck of Europe's Workhorse Aircraft - Differences Between A320 and Other Airbus Models

The A320 family, encompassing the A318, A319, A320, and A321, differs from other Airbus models in several ways, primarily in terms of passenger capacity and operational range. These variations cater to a diverse spectrum of airline needs, from short-haul regional flights to longer, more extended routes. The A320 holds a unique position as the first commercial aircraft to integrate fly-by-wire technology. This innovative control system significantly alters how pilots interact with the aircraft and ultimately changes the flight experience. The A320neo, a more recent iteration of the original, introduces further improvements with enhanced engines and aerodynamic features like Sharklets, aiming for greater fuel efficiency. Further setting it apart, the A320 family utilizes a Common Type Rating, allowing pilots to fly different versions of the aircraft with a single certification. This simplifies crew scheduling and makes transitions between A320 models smoother compared to other aircraft types where pilots often need separate ratings for different models. The A320 family, with its distinct technology and operational characteristics, occupies a specific and influential place within the diverse range of Airbus aircraft.

The Airbus A320 family, encompassing models like the A318, A319, A320, and A321, caters to a passenger capacity of up to 220, with operational ranges varying from 1,700 to 6,500 nautical miles depending on the specific variant. It's worth noting that the range and capacity figures are estimates, subject to variations based on operational conditions.

The A320, introduced in 1984, holds a unique place in aviation history as the first commercial aircraft to utilize fly-by-wire technology. This system, which replaces conventional mechanical control linkages with electronic signals, reduced aircraft weight and introduced a layer of safety by preventing excessive control inputs. Some have argued that while this system brings about numerous advantages, it adds another level of complexity to the aircraft.

The A320neo, a more recent iteration of the A320, boasts efficiency improvements stemming from enhanced engines and wingtip devices like Sharklets. These innovations contribute to fuel savings and lower operating costs for airlines. The question arises if these designs make maintenance more complex.

The A318, with a range of roughly 3,570 miles, typically accommodates a two-class configuration with 90-110 passengers. This model, positioned towards smaller and perhaps less profitable routes, remains a niche product within the Airbus fleet.

The A319neo, possessing an extended range of approximately 4,250 miles, boasts a typical two-class capacity of 120-150 passengers. A very practical airplane with a balanced design and capabilities.

The A320neo, on the other hand, offers a range of about 3,915 miles and seats 150-180 passengers in a two-class configuration. In essence, this airplane is a middle ground between the smaller A319 and the bigger A321 and seems to represent the best mix of range and capacity.

The A319, A320, and A321 share a common type rating for pilots. This means that pilots who are trained on one model can transition to another with less extensive training, optimizing human resources for airlines. However, the question remains whether or not this commonality might lead to a lower standard in pilot skills that impact safety.

The evolution from the early A320 models to the newer versions reveals substantial changes, including refinements in cockpit design, the incorporation of LCD screens replacing older CRT technology, and alterations to hydraulic systems. This continuous evolution indicates the continuous drive for improving aircraft capabilities and ergonomics. One wonders if these upgrades increase the maintenance workload.

The A220 family, born from the Bombardier CSeries, represents a distinct narrowbody offering from Airbus. Introduced later in 2008, it offers a different design and capability set compared to the A320 family. It's yet to be seen if the market ultimately chooses this model over the Airbus A320.

Airbus' commonality design principle is evident in the A320 cockpit. The standardized layout and system functionalities across several aircraft families facilitates pilot training and reduces transition time between different Airbus aircraft. While this approach has advantages, it also makes one wonder if the systems might become too generic and thus less optimal for particular aircraft types.