The Purpose, Function And Layout And Locations Of An Ecam Cockpit
ECAMs are designed to provide a variety of functions and features.
All aircraft require that the pilot monitors flight instruments continuously. The pilot must also check the aircraft for any damage or danger to ensure that the airframe and engine systems are working properly. Commercial aircrafts can also include the monitoring of gauges such temperature and air pressure. This is where the electronic centralized aircraft monitor (ECAM) comes in.
ECAM was designed to perform monitoring functions for pilots automatically. A problem or failure is detected. The primary unit displays a visual and audible alert to the pilot. A display will then show the necessary corrective action. As the ECAM automatically monitors the system, the pilot can continue to fly until the ECAM detects a malfunction.
ECAM Unit Arrangement In the beginning, ECAM only displayed airframe and engine parameters on traditional full-time gauges. ECAM system models that are more recent include airframe and engine systems as well.
Two monitors are required for an ECAM system. They can be CRT or LCD. In a checklist-format, the upper or lower monitor will display information about system status as well as any warnings. The lower or right monitor shows system information as a picture, for example a diagram.
ECAMs are powered typically by separate signals generators. Data inputs from aircraft are then sent to two flight warning computers. Analog signals are passed through an SDA converter before being sent to the alert computers. The warning computer then processes the information before sending it to signal generators for illumination of the monitors.
ECAMs have four main modes: manual, flight mode, failure mode and advisory. Flight phase is used in a normal aircraft flight. Pre-flight is the first phase of normal flight. Then, there are take-off, cruise, descent and approach. Information about failures and warnings will be displayed automatically, depending on the current situation. The secondary monitor automatically displays the system schematic when an advisory appears on the primary display. The failure-related modality is similar, as it takes control of all modes regardless of whether they are selected or not at the moment of failure. Display unit colour-coding is used to highlight the most important information. The ECAM display mode is selected by the control panel.
ECAM Flight Warning Computers self-test on startup. Signal generators also undergo testing. The maintenance panel allows testing announcement and additional testing on demand. BITE is short for Built-in Test Equipment. The monitoring system must monitor itself as well the aircraft’s systems. From this panel you can test for continuity all the inputs/outputs of system data analog converters as well. Normal faults of individual systems will appear on the primary screen. Maintenance panel will display faults of the flight-warning computers and signal generation systems. Test ECAM systems and other related equipment according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
