Skip to content

Flight Control Panels


Back to Flight Deck


Flight Control Panel - Left Flight Control Panel - Right

API Documentation: Flight Control Panel API

Description

  • ELAC (Elevator Aileron Computer)
    • Normally ELAC 1 commands the operation of the ailerons and ELAC 2 commands the operation of the elevators and horizontal stabilizer. ELAC 1 and 2 perform the following:
      • Normal pitch and roll, normal LAF (Load Alleviation Function).
      • Alternate pitch, alternate LAF.
      • Direct pitch and roll.
      • Aileron droop.
      • Abnormal attitude.
      • Acquisition of autopilot orders.
  • SEC (Spoiler Elevator Computer)
    • The Spoiler Elevator Computers 1, 2, and 3 command spoiler operation. The SECs control the following
      • Normal roll by controlling the spoilers.
      • Speed brakes and ground spoilers.
      • Alternate pitch (SEC 1 and SEC 2 only).
      • Direct pitch (SEC 1 and SEC 2 only).
      • Alternate LAF.
      • Abnormal attitude.
      • Direct roll.
  • FAC (FlIGHT Augmentation Computer)
    • The Flight Augmentation Computers have three main functions:
      • Rudder trim.
      • Rudder travel limits.
      • Yaw damping inputs.
      • Alternate yaw.
      • Flight envelope and speed computations.
      • Wind shear detection.

Usage

  • ON:

    • When the associated flight control computer switch is ON, it engages the computer and lights are extinguished. This is the normal position.
  • OFF:

    • When selected to OFF, the OFF light illuminates white and disengages the associated computer.
  • RESET:

    • You can reset a computer by turning the computer OFF then ON.
  • FAULT:

    • The associated FAULT Light illuminates amber:
      • When a failure is detected.
      • During computer's power-up test (8-second duration). This test occurs for each flight control computer upon electrical power application or after electrical transient/interruption.
      • The FAULT light extinguishes when OFF is selected or at completion of satisfactory power-up test.

Back to Flight Deck


Last update: February 19, 2023