RADIO MANAGEMENT
PANELS,
AUDIO CONTROL
PANELS AND
CALL PANEL
Radio Management Panel
TRANSFER KEY STANDBY FREQUENCY DISPLAY
ACTIVE FREQUENCY
DISPLAY
FREQUENCY SELECTOR KNOBS
RADIO SELECTION KEYS
SEL INDICATOR
ON/OFF SWITCH
Radio Management Panel
TRANSFER KEY STANDBY FREQUENCY DISPLAY
Exchanges the active
and standby
frequencies, and sets
the new active
frequency.
ACTIVE FREQUENCY
DISPLAY
FREQUENCY SELECTOR KNOBS
RADIO SELECTION KEYS
SEL INDICATOR
ON/OFF SWITCH
Radio Management Panel
TRANSFER KEY STANDBY FREQUENCY DISPLAY
ACTIVE FREQUENCY
DISPLAY
Shows the active
frequency of the
selected radio. FREQUENCY SELECTOR KNOBS
RADIO SELECTION KEYS
SEL INDICATOR
ON/OFF SWITCH
Radio Management Panel
TRANSFER KEY STANDBY FREQUENCY DISPLAY
ACTIVE FREQUENCY
DISPLAY
FREQUENCY SELECTOR KNOBS
RADIO SELECTION KEYS
Allow selection
of the radio to be
tuned. SEL INDICATOR
ON/OFF SWITCH
The selected key
illuminates green.
Radio Management Panel
TRANSFER KEY STANDBY FREQUENCY DISPLAY
ACTIVE FREQUENCY
DISPLAY
FREQUENCY SELECTOR KNOBS
RADIO SELECTION KEYS
SEL INDICATOR
ON/OFF SWITCH
When a radio normally
associated with an RMP
is tuned by another RMP,
the SEL light Illuminates
white on both RMPs.
Radio Management Panel
TRANSFER KEY STANDBY FREQUENCY DISPLAY
ACTIVE FREQUENCY
DISPLAY
FREQUENCY SELECTOR KNOBS
RADIO SELECTION KEYS
SEL INDICATOR
ON/OFF SWITCH
Controls the RMP
power supply .
Radio Management Panel
TRANSFER KEY STANDBY FREQUENCY DISPLAY
ACTIVE FREQUENCY
DISPLAY
FREQUENCY SELECTOR KNOBS
Selects the STBY
frequency.
RADIO SELECTION KEYS
SEL INDICATOR
ON/OFF SWITCH
Radio Management Panel
TRANSFER KEY STANDBY FREQUENCY DISPLAY
Displays the standby
frequency.
ACTIVE FREQUENCY
DISPLAY
FREQUENCY SELECTOR KNOBS
RADIO SELECTION KEYS
SEL INDICATOR
ON/OFF SWITCH
Audio Control Panel
RECEPTION KNOBS TRANSMISSION KEYS
INT / RAD SWITCH
P.A. TRANSMISSION
KEY
VOICE KEY RESET KEY
Audio Control Panel
RECEPTION KNOBS TRANSMISSION KEYS
Used to select the reception
channel and adjust associated audio
levels. When released out, the
respective channel is selected and
the knob illuminates.
INT / RAD SWITCH
P.A. TRANSMISSION
KEY
VOICE KEY RESET KEY
Audio Control Panel
RECEPTION KNOBS TRANSMISSION KEYS
INT / RAD SWITCH
INT : communication P.A. TRANSMISSION
between cockpit crew KEY
members and ground
personnel.
Neutral : disconnects
microphones from
transmission. Reception is
normal.
RAD : Connects boom or
oxygen mask microphones
to the facility selected on
the ACP by pressing and
holding in RAD position.
VOICE KEY RESET KEY
Audio Control Panel
RECEPTION KNOBS TRANSMISSION KEYS
INT / RAD SWITCH
P.A. TRANSMISSION
KEY
VOICE KEY RESET KEY
Allows suppression of navigation ident signals
(VOR,ADF).
ON light illuminates green when pushed.
Audio Control Panel
RECEPTION KNOBS TRANSMISSION KEYS
INT / RAD SWITCH
P.A. TRANSMISSION
KEY
VOICE KEY RESET KEY
Extinguishes the
amber light in the CALL,
MECH, and ATT
transmission keys.
Audio Control Panel
RECEPTION KNOBS TRANSMISSION KEYS
INT / RAD SWITCH
P.A. TRANSMISSION
KEY
Used for PA
announcement
via boom,
oxygen or hand
mike.
It must be
pressed and
held to use the
PA system.
VOICE KEY RESET KEY
Audio Control Panel
RECEPTION KNOBS TRANSMISSION KEYS
Pushing the key selects the
associated channel for transmission
and illuminates the three green lights.
The channel is deselected by
pushing the key again or selecting
another channel.
INT / RAD SWITCH
P.A. TRANSMISSION
KEY
VOICE KEY RESET KEY
Call Panel
MECH PUSHBUTTON
CABIN CALL PUSHBUTTONS
EMER CALL PUSHBUTTON
Call Panel
MECH PUSHBUTTON
CABIN CALL PUSHBUTTONS
When the MECH pb
is pressed, a light
illuminates, and a horn
sounds to alert the
ground mechanic.
EMER CALL PUSHBUTTON
Call Panel
MECH PUSHBUTTON
CABIN CALL PUSHBUTTONS
When one of the cabin call
pushbuttons is pressed, a “CAPTAIN
CALL” message appears at the
appropriate cabin station, and a
high/low chime sounds in the cabin.
EMER CALL PUSHBUTTON
Call Panel
MECH PUSHBUTTON
CABIN CALL PUSHBUTTONS
EMER CALL PUSHBUTTON
When the emergency pushbutton switch is selected on, the ON
light flashes white, and the CALL light flashes amber.
An “emergency call” message appears on all flight attendant
panels, and three high/low chimes sound through all cabin
loudspeakers.
If an emergency call is initiated from the cabin, the ON light flashes
white, the CALL light flashes amber, and three long buzzers sound in
the cockpit.
RCDR Panel
GND CTL PUSHBUTTON CVR ERASE PUSHBUTTONS
CVR TEST PUSHBUTTON
RCDR Panel
GND CTL PUSHBUTTON CVR ERASE PUSHBUTTONS
Prior to starting the engine, the
CVR can be selected ON by
pressing this pb.
CVR TEST PUSHBUTTON
RCDR Panel
GND CTL PUSHBUTTON CVR ERASE PUSHBUTTONS
The CVR ERASE pb enables the
complete erasure of the disk provided
the aircraft is on the ground, with the
parking brake ON.
CVR TEST PUSHBUTTON
RCDR Panel
GND CTL PUSHBUTTON CVR ERASE PUSHBUTTONS
CVR TEST PUSHBUTTON
The CVR TEST pushbutton, when pressed
and held until a tone is heard, allows the
crew to test the CVR, provided the system is
on and the parking brake is set to ON.
To welcome the passengers on board, you need to make a
Passenger Address Announcement.
Two methods are available to achieve this :
- first, you can press and hold the PA transmission key while
speaking into the boomset,
Please do it.
No, select the PA transmission key
No, select the PA transmission key
- The second method is to use the cockpit PA handset.
To use it, you press and hold its PTT switch while speaking
into its integral microphone.
Let’s now start one engine.
CAPTAIN SIDE F/O SIDE
CAPTAIN SIDE F/O SIDE
VHF 1
TRANSCEIVER
CAPTAIN SIDE F/O SIDE
VHF 1
TRANSCEIVER
No, select the VHF 1 key on RMP 2.
CAPTAIN SIDE F/O SIDE
VHF 1
TRANSCEIVER
No, select the VHF 1 key on RMP 2.
CAPTAIN SIDE F/O SIDE
VHF 1
TRANSCEIVER
The SEL light illuminates on both RMPs. On RMP 1 to indicate that VHF 1 is
selected on another RMP, and on RMP 2 because VHF 1 is not its dedicated
radio.
Now, you can tune the desired frequency in the standby window on RMP 2.
Select the standby frequency 126.00
CAPTAIN SIDE F/O SIDE
VHF 1
TRANSCEIVER
No, select the frequency rotary knob.
CAPTAIN SIDE F/O SIDE
VHF 1
TRANSCEIVER
No, select the frequency rotary knob.
CAPTAIN SIDE F/O SIDE
VHF 1
TRANSCEIVER
Transfer the standby frequency to the active window.
CAPTAIN SIDE F/O SIDE
VHF 1
TRANSCEIVER
No, select the green arrow pushbutton.
CAPTAIN SIDE F/O SIDE
VHF 1
TRANSCEIVER
No, select the green arrow pushbutton.
CAPTAIN SIDE F/O SIDE
VHF 1
TRANSCEIVER
CAPTAIN SIDE F/O SIDE
VHF 1
TRANSCEIVER
CAPTAIN SIDE F/O SIDE
VHF 1
TRANSCEIVER
Observe that the active frequency changed on both RMPs.
However the standby frequency on RMP 1 is unchanged, but the previous active
frequency is displayed in the standby window of RMP 2. This enables either pilot to
change the active frequency on any radio and not change the standby frequency of
the other pilot.
Extinguish the SEL light.
VHF 1
TRANSCEIVER
No, select the VHF2 key on RMP 2.
VHF 1
TRANSCEIVER
No, select the VHF2 key on RMP 2.
VHF 1
TRANSCEIVER
Now, let’s use the ACP to establish the communication.
Select the VHF1 transmission key.
CAPTAIN SIDE F/O SIDE
No, select the VHF 1 transmission key.
CAPTAIN SIDE F/O SIDE
No, select the VHF 1 transmission key.
F/O SIDE
To transmit on VHF 1, you can use :
- the INT/RAD switch held in RAD position,
- the side-stick PTT switch,
- or the hand mike PTT.
You can now continue with the cockpit preparation.
F/O SIDE
So that the intercom is always available, the interphone
reception knob should be released out and volume adjusted.
We have done this for you.
Let’s now look at a call indication from the ground crew
mechanic.
F/O SIDE
You hear a buzzer and notice the amber MECH light flashing
on all the ACPs.
Reset the call indications.
No, select the RESET button on the ACP.
No, select the RESET button on the ACP.
F/O SIDE
The MECH light is automatically cancelled after 60
seconds or when the RESET pushbutton is pressed, on any
ACP.
F/O SIDE
To talk with the ground mechanic, you have two possibilities :
- normally you select the INT position on the INT/RAD switch,
- but you can press the INT transmission key, then talk using a
PTT switch,
Select the INT position on the INT/RAD switch.
No, select the INT/RAD selector switch.
No, select the INT/RAD selector switch.
F/O SIDE
This position gives you a hot mike to talk to the other pilot and
the ground mechanic, you can speak in the boomset without any
other selection.
After talking to the ground mechanic, you should reselect the
INT/RAD switch to the neutral position.
Select the neutral position on the INT/RAD switch.
No, select the INT/RAD selector switch.
No, select the INT/RAD selector switch.
RMP ACP
Control of all radio communications is achieved through Radio Management
Panels (RMP) and Audio Control Panels (ACP).
Let’s start with the RMP.
RMP 1 RMP 3
The RMPs provide tuning of all radios.
There are two RMPs located on the
center pedestal and an optional third one
on the overhead panel.
RMP 1 RMP 2
We will now look at the different controls and indications of the RMP :
- The ON/OFF switch controls its power supply,
- the radio selection keys enable the pilot to select a radio to
modify a frequency,
- the ACTIVE window displays the active frequency,
- the standby (STBY) window displays the standby frequency,
- the dual rotary knob enables the pilot to change the STBY frequency,
the outer knob for the megahertz, and the inner knob for the decimals,
- and the transfer key exchanges the STBY and ACTIVE frequencies.
The standby navigation (STBY NAV) keys provide backup navigation
tuning in the event of dual FMGS failure.
These keys will be discussed in the navigation chapter.
On the A320, any RMP can tune any communication radio but each
one is normally dedicated to a particular radio :
- RMP 1 to VHF 1,
- RMP 2 to VHF 2,
- RMP 3 to VHF 3 or HF 1.
RMP 1
The SEL light illuminates white when a pilot selects a radio on
an RMP which is not dedicated to that RMP. This will be explained
in more detail in the normal operation module.
ACP 3
ACP 1
There are three ACPs, each located next to an RMP :
- two on the center pedestal,
- an optional third one on the overhead panel.
ACP 1 ACP 2
Let’s look at the different controls of the ACP.
The transmission keys enable you to select any radio or interphone system.
A green light illuminates on the selected key.
Only one transmission key can be selected at a time.
The CALL light flashes amber with a buzzer when a SELCAL is received on the
applicable radio (VHF or HF).
The MECH light flashes amber with a buzzer when a call is initiated by the
ground mechanic.
The ATT light flashes amber with a buzzer when a call is initiated from any
flight attendant station through the cabin interphone system.
The RESET key silences any buzzer and extinguishes the flashing amber light
associated with any of these calls.
The reception knobs enable the pilot to select and adjust the volume of
the following systems :
- communication radios,
- navigation aids,
- the interphone,
- the PA.
When released out, the respective radio or interphone is selected, the
knob illuminates white and by rotating it, you can adjust the volume.
Any number of selections can be made simultaneously.
Any selected radio and/or interphone can be heard through
loudspeakers.
Each loudspeaker has its own separate volume control.
The INTerphone/RADio (INT/RAD) switch is a three position
switch. Two of the positions are latched, one is spring loaded :
- INT (latched),
- neutral (latched),
- RAD (spring loaded).
When in the INT position, the switch operates as a hot mike on either
the boomsets or the oxygen masks. This position enables
communication between cockpit crew members, or between cockpit and
a ground mechanic.
NOTE : It is unnecessary to select the INT transmission key.
When the switch is held in the RAD position, it
operates as a Press To Talk (PTT) on the selected
transmission channel using boomset or oxygen mask.
The side stick PTT switch has the same function as
the RAD position on the INT/RAD switch.
The VOICE key suppresses a navaid ident signal to
enable clearer reception of the voice message.
For example, ATIS transmission on a VOR
frequency.
The Passenger Address (PA) transmission key, when
pressed and held, enables cabin announcements to be
made from the cockpit through boomset, oxygen mask
or hand mike.
Use of this key will be discussed in the normal
operation.
The CALLS panel enables the cockpit crew to call a
ground mechanic or the cabin crew.
When the MECH pb is pressed, a light illuminates on the
external power panel and a horn sounds to alert the ground
mechanic.
When either the FWD or AFT pb is pressed, a “CAPTAIN CALL”
message appears at the appropriate cabin station and a high/low
chime sounds in the cabin.
When the optional ALL pb is pressed, a “CAPTAIN CALL”
message appears at all the cabin stations and a high/low chime
sounds in the cabin.
When the emergency pb switch is selected on, the ON light
flashes white and the CALL light flashes amber.
An “emergency call” message appears at all the cabin stations
and three high/low chimes sound through all cabin loudspeakers.
If an emergency call is initiated from the cabin, the ON light
flashes white, the CALL light flashes amber and three long buzzers
sound in the cockpit.
ATC asks you to change frequency.
RMP 1 When you look at your RMP, however, all
the indications are blank. Notice the ON/OFF
switch is ON.
There is no ECAM caution for this
RMP 1 abnormal. The blank displays with no lights
illuminated indicate an RMP failure.
Turn off RMP 1.
RMP 1 No, select the RMP 1 on/off switch
RMP 1 No, select the RMP 1 on/off switch
RMP 3
All the radio tuning must now be done
using RMP 2 or RMP 3.
Select VHF 1 on RMP 2.
RMP 1 RMP 2
P
O
IN
RMP 3
No select VHF 1 on RMP 2.
RMP 1 RMP 2
P
O
IN
RMP 3
No select VHF 1 on RMP 2.
RMP 1 RMP 2
P
O
IN
RMP 3
Notice that the SEL light is illuminated
because RMP2 is being used to tune VHF 1.
Now let’s look at another failure.
RMP 1 RMP 2
P
O
IN
ACP 1
When you check your ACP, you see that all
the lights are extinguished.
You try to select VHF 1 for transmission,
but your selection has no effect.
ACP 1
P
O
IN
As your were using ACP 1, you can
recover audio control through ACP 3 by
selecting the CAPT 3 position on the
AUDIO SWITCHING selector located on the
overhead panel.
Switch to CAPT 3 position.