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FLIGHT CONTROL
COMPUTERS
The movements of the flight control surfaces are managed by seven computers.
These are:
- two ELevator and Aileron Computers (ELAC),
- three Spoiler and Elevator Computers (SEC),
- two Flight Augmentation Computers (FAC), which manage the rudder
movements.
The flight control system is designed to incorporate several redundancy and
safety concepts:
- Each computer is able to control the aircraft in flight.
- Each computer is divided into two physical units which are programmed in
two different software languages.
- Segregated power supply, control source and signaling lanes.
- Extensive monitoring within each computer allows detection of failures in
controls, computers and sensors.
- With the basic configuration, no single failure (computer, electrical system,
hydraulic system, sensors …) will cause a degradation of the normal functions.
ELAC 1 ELAC 2
SEC 1 SEC 2
SEC 3
ELAC 1 ELAC 2
FCDC 1
FCDC 2
SEC 3 FAC 2
However, the data from both FACs is directly sent to the EIS.
Three independent hydraulic systems are used to power all the flight control
surfaces.
L R
AIL AIL
L R
AIL AIL
L R
ELEV ELEV
• Elevators:
Each elevator is actuated by two independent hydraulic servo controls.
In normal operation one servo control is active through the ELAC
(SEC in backup), the other is damped.
In the event of total electrical control loss, the servo controls are
automatically switched to a centering mode and will hold the surface
in the neutral position.
Surface position indication is displayed on the ECAM display unit.
L R
AIL AIL
PITCH TRIM
L R
ELEV ELEV
L R
AIL AIL
PITCH TRIM
L RUD R
ELEV ELEV
• A rudder:
The single-piece rudder is actuated by three independently supplied
hydraulic servo-controls mechanically signaled from the pedals and
the yaw damper actuators.
The rudder position indication is displayed on the ECAM display unit.
SPD BRK
L R
AIL AIL
PITCH TRIM
L RUD R
ELEV ELEV
SPD BRK
L R
AIL AIL
PITCH TRIM
L R
ELEV ELEV
The movements of both ailerons and both elevators are symbolized by a green
index moving in front of a white scale.
The servocontrol status, displayed on the side of the white scale, will become
amber when the corresponding actuator is not available (hydraulic low
pressure, electrical control failure, computer failure, etc).
• Ailerons:
The ailerons are shown in neutral position.
NOTE: The indication below corresponds to the new neutral position when the
flaps are extended (aileron droop automatic function).
• Elevators:
In case of elevator failure, the deflection of the remaining elevator is limited by
the computer to avoid excessive asymmetrical loads on the horizontal tailplane
or rear fuselage.
RUDDER
RUDDER TRIM
TRIM INDICATOR
INDICATOR
The green rudder symbol is used as an index to display the movements of the
rudder on a white scale.
The servocontrol status is displayed on top of the rudder indication.
The rudder trim is indicated by a small blue line below the scale.
When used, the rudder trim will move the neutral point of the rudder surface
and change the rudder pedals position.
The hydraulic systems which actuate each control surface are indicated on the
ECAM F/CTL page by G, B and Y.
For example, the rudder is powered by the green, blue and yellow hydraulic
systems.
HIGH
HIGH SPEED
SPEED POSITION
POSITION INDICATOR
INDICATOR
Note that the rudder and the pedal deflections are limited via a rudder travel
limiter at high speed.
Rudder travel is limited as a function of airspeed.
The FACs control electric motors coupled with a variable stop mechanism.
The high speed position is indicated by small white ticks on the rudder scale.
• Roll spoilers:
To complement the ailerons action, the roll spoilers are deployed automatically
by the computers on the same side as the aileron which is deflected upward (they
remain retracted on the other wing) and proportionally to this aileron deflection.
The computers are able to mix the speed brakes function with the roll spoilers.
Look at the video carefully.
Roll control uses the four outer surfaces.
On the video, look at the left spoilers as they deploy, then at the right ones as the
wings are leveled.
ELAC 1
ELAC 2
SEC 1
SEC 2
SEC 3
The status of the ELACs and SECs is indicated on the ECAM F/CTL page.
The other computers are not displayed.
TRIM WHEELS
TRIM WHEELS
RUDDER
RUDDER PEDALS
PEDALS
In addition, there are two panels, located on the overhead panel, to control the
flight control computers.
Switching OFF then ON resets the corresponding computer.
ESS BUS
ELAC 1
HOT BUS
ESS BUS
SEC 1
HOT BUS
The ELAC 1 and SEC 1 are normally supplied by the ESSential BUS
but can be supplied by the HOT BUS in case of electrical failure.
Now, we will introduce the lift augmentation devices.
SLATS
SLATS
FLAPS
FLAPS
FLAPS
FLAPS
The slats and flaps Power Control Units are hydraulically actuated.
They are electrically controlled via two Slat Flap Control Computers (SFCC).
The SFCCs monitor the slats and flaps operation through Position Pick-off
Units (PPUs) located on the PCUs and at the end of the transmission torque
shafts.
The slats and flaps operate with protection functions such as:
- asymmetry,
- runaway,
- overspeed,
- uncommanded movement.
SFCC 1
SFCC 2
Each SFCC has two channels, one for the flaps and one for the slats.
Each channel can drive its associated surfaces.
A319/A320/A321
A318
A319/A320/A321
A318
This is the flap 0 indication. Notice there is no labeling with this setting.
The flap lever, located on the right side of the pedestal, operates the slats and
flaps.
Before selection of any position, the lever must be pulled out of the detend.
Moreover, balks are provided at position 1 and 3 to avoid excessive flap/slat
travel demand by a single pilot action.
The flap lever has the following positions: 0, 1, 2, 3 and FULL.
FCDC
FCDC
FAC
FAC
ELAC
ELAC
SEC
SEC
SFCC
SFCC
ELAC SEC
SEC 1,
1, 2,
2, 33
ELAC 1,
1, 22
FAC
FAC 1,
1, 22
FCDC
FCDC 1,
1, 22
SFCC
SFCC 1,
1, 22
CFDIU
CFDIU
The ELACs, SECs and SFCCs BITE memories can be read and tests
triggered on the MCDU through F/CTL key.
The FACs send data to the CFDIU. Their BITE memories can be read
and tests triggered through the MCDU AFS menu.
ELAC SEC
SEC 1,
1, 2,
2, 33
ELAC 1,
1, 22
FAC
FAC 1,
1, 22
FCDC
FCDC 1,
1, 22
SFCC
SFCC 1,
1, 22
CFDIU
CFDIU
The ELACs and SECs send data to the CFDIU through the FCDCs.
The SFCCs send data directly to the CFDIU.
When you work on flight controls, make sure that you obey all the AMM safety
procedures. This will prevent injury to persons and /or damage to the
aircraft. Here is an overview of main safety precautions relative to the
flight control system.
Make sure that the controls agree with the position of the flight control surfaces
before you pressurize hydraulic system.
Put safety devices and warning notices in position before you start a task
on or near flight controls.
Make sure that the travel ranges of the flight control surfaces are clear.
Movement of flight controls can cause injury to persons and/or damage
to the aircraft.
COMPONENT LOCATION
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
SPECIFIC WARNINGS