Information Systems

Question 1

What are the components of the A320 information systems?

Answer 1

1. 1 x ATSU (Air Traffic Services Unit) [accessed through the MCDU and includes ACARS]
2. 2 x DCDUs (Datalink Control and Display Units)
3. 2 x ATC Msg push buttons
4. 1 x Datalink printer

Question 2

What is the ATSU connected to?

Answer 2

Loads! Inc:

1. FMS
2. CFDS
3. AIDS
4. Satcom
5. DMCs

Question 3

What does the ATSU do?

Answer 3

“Manages uplink and downlink communications between aircraft and ground stations via satellite, VHF and HF radio”

1. Can automatically send aircraft position and speed to ATC
2. Can automatically send aircraft maintenance reports to an AOC
3. Uses for ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System)

Question 4

ATSU. How are aircrew made aware of an incoming ATC message?

Answer 4

1. Aural chime
2. Blue light “ATC MSG” on glare shield

Question 5

ATSU. What is the difference between downlink and uplink messages?

Answer 5

1. Downlink = aircraft to ground (e.g ATC messages and maintenance information)
2. Uplink = ground to aircraft (e.g wind data and flight plan data to insert into the FMGC)

Question 6

Which VHF is used for ACARS?

Answer 6

VHF3

Question 7

What is the CNS / ATM?

Answer 7

Communications Navigation Surveillance

Air Traffic Management

1. Allows for datalink communications between the flight crews and controllers
2. CNS/ATM uses ACARS networks (AIRNC and SITA)

Question 8

What does the CNS / ATM system include ?

Answer 8

1. ATS Facilities Notification
2. CPDLC (Controller Pilot Datalink Communications)
3. ADS (Automatic Dependent Surveillance) [auto transmit position reports to ground stations]

Question 9

What does the CPDLC do?

Answer 9

1. Allows exchange of text messages between flight crew and ATC via the MCDU and DCDU screens
2. Messages could include clearances (speed, heading and altitudes)