The latest Cockpit Concept Connect software update (1.2.4.0) expands on support for X-Plane Flight Factor-A320. In addition to OEM FCU support, the software now supports the OEM brake pressure gauge, rudder trim, voltmeter, ACP and RMPs. With the additional hardware support, Flight Factor-A320 can now be a reasonable option for flight deck builders and an … Continue reading
Author Archives: Ben
PFD ND Transfer – Relay Box
Switching of the display screens on early Airbuses were performed by the SDACs (System Data Acquisitions Concentrators) and the Display Management Computers. The PFD ND XFR pushbutton found on these aircraft would act as a hardware switch (relay operated) for these systems. The purpose of the XFR transfer (auto or manual functionality) is to allow … Continue reading
Pedestal Flood Light Pinouts
112VU FO Flood Light (right pedestal) 2136VC Plug – Backlight (5 VDC) A/BOverhead Flood Light, rheostat (28 VDC) H/J AIDS Print F/GDFDR Event C/D Continue reading
Airline Training Orientation Program
Aviation101 has produced an informative video segment on the Airline Training Orientation Program (ATOP) available at JetBlue (Orlando) and American Airlines (Dallas). The 3 day course ($495) is available to FAA certified U.S. pilots and includes the following – 1. Comprehensive Tour of the Pilot Training Center2. Ten hours of B-737/800 or A-320 Systems & Procedures Familiarization3. Two … Continue reading
Solenoids and EMI
There are 3 solenoids used on the Airbus flight deck – one for each sidestick, and another for the gear lever panel. The sidesticks are locked in a neutral position by the solenoids when autopilot is engaged. The solenoid in the gear lever panel is activated when the aircraft is airborne (wheel strut pressure logic) … Continue reading
Flight Factor A320 – Hardware Support
Flight factor (X-Plane) has now become a feasible option for cockpit builders with the support for a variety of hardware avionics equipment (OEM and replica). Users of an OEM Flight Control Unit can now interface directly with Flight Factor using Cockpit Concept’s latest FCU drivers. In addition, Flight Deck Solution MCDU can now be interfaced … Continue reading
Airbus A320 – Behind the Scenes
Interfacing Airbus OEM components required careful thought and planning. To decrease any potential difficulty with troubleshooting and maintenance, wiring was kept to the minimum with all interfacing confined within the Main Instrument Panel (MIP) and the structural foundation of the simulator. Four power supplies are connected to the flight simulator – one dedicated 5V supply … Continue reading
Historical Airbus
GA Avionics – Bendix/King Flight Control System
Bruno the developer of A320 Simulator has now developed GA gauges (software and hardware implementation) which can be interfaced to simulator platforms (Prepar3D, X-plane). The videos below show a simulated Bendix/King CSI 310 Horizon Indicator in Action – Bendix/King KPI 552 – There has been renewed interest in GA Aviation and simulation of the avionics … Continue reading
Lighting Controller
There are various options to illuminate the flight deck. Vendors have produced solutions which allow you to distribute 5V current over the many panels of the aircraft and also internally dim the integral lighting. Unfortunately not all solutions meet the necessary requirements of a cockpit using OEM panels (incandescent bulbs) – the controller board must … Continue reading