This comprehensive study guide covers every A320 system tested on type rating exams. Each system page includes normal operations, system logic, failure scenarios, ECAM procedures, and frequently asked questions. All content is based directly on the Airbus A320 FCOM (Flight Crew Operating Manual).
Whether you're preparing for your initial A320 type rating or studying for recurrent training, these detailed guides will help you master the aircraft systems knowledge required for airline operations.
🔌 Critical Systems (Powerplant & Power Generation)
Core systems providing aircraft propulsion and electrical/hydraulic power
Engines
DSC-70 • ATA 70-80CFM56-5B or IAE V2500 turbofan engines, FADEC control, start sequence, thrust ratings, reversers, engine parameters.
FADEC • Start Sequence • Thrust Modes • Reversers • N1, N2, EGT
Electrical System
DSC-24 • ATA 24AC/DC power generation, bus distribution, emergency electrical configuration, battery operation, RAT emergency power.
Generators • AC/DC Buses • Emergency Config • Batteries • IDG
Hydraulic System
DSC-29 • ATA 29Green, blue, yellow hydraulic circuits, PTU operation, RAT deployment, hydraulic priorities, system logic.
Green/Blue/Yellow • PTU • RAT • Priorities • Pumps
APU
DSC-49 • ATA 49Auxiliary Power Unit start sequence, electrical generation, bleed air supply, limitations, ECAM procedures.
APU Start • Electrical Supply • Bleed Air • Limitations
✈️ Flight Control & Guidance Systems
Systems controlling aircraft attitude, flight path, and navigation
Flight Controls
DSC-27 • ATA 27Normal law, alternate law, direct law, protections, degradations, mechanical backup, control surface operation.
Normal Law • Alternate Law • Protections • ELAC/SEC/FAC
Autoflight
DSC-22 • ATA 22Flight directors, autopilot modes, autoland capability, autothrust, managed vs selected modes, FMGS.
AP/FD Modes • Autoland • Autothrust • FMGC • Managed/Selected
Navigation & Surveillance
DSC-34 • ATA 34IRS, GPS, VOR, DME, ADF, radio altimeter, TCAS, weather radar, navigation accuracy and modes.
IRS • GPS • TCAS • Weather Radar • Radio Nav
🛡️ Aircraft Systems (Environmental & Protection)
Cabin environment, ice protection, fire detection, and safety systems
Air Conditioning & Pressurization
DSC-21 • ATA 21Packs, temperature control, cabin pressurization, bleed air management, cabin altitude, outflow valves.
Packs • Pressurization • Temperature • Bleed Air
Pneumatic System
DSC-36 • ATA 36Bleed air system, engine bleed, APU bleed, cross bleed, wing anti-ice, pack supply, leak detection.
Engine Bleed • APU Bleed • Cross Bleed • Anti-Ice Supply
Ice & Rain Protection
DSC-30 • ATA 30Wing anti-ice, engine anti-ice, probe heat, window heat, wipers, ice detection system.
Wing Anti-Ice • Eng Anti-Ice • Probes • Window Heat
Fire Protection
DSC-26 • ATA 26Engine fire detection, APU fire, cargo smoke detection, fire extinguishing systems, test procedures.
Fire Detection • Extinguishing • Cargo Smoke • Tests
Oxygen
DSC-35 • ATA 35Crew oxygen system, passenger oxygen, oxygen pressure monitoring, mask deployment, emergency procedures.
Crew Oxygen • PAX Oxygen • Masks • Pressure
🛬 Landing & Ground Systems
Landing gear, brakes, ground maneuvering systems
Landing Gear
DSC-32 • ATA 32Gear extension/retraction, braking system, anti-skid, autobrake, nose wheel steering, gear doors.
Extension/Retraction • Brakes • Anti-Skid • Autobrake • Steering
Fuel System
DSC-28 • ATA 28Tank layout, fuel transfer, crossfeed operation, fuel pumps, gravity feed, fuel quantity indication.
Tanks • Transfer • Crossfeed • Pumps • Quantity
🔧 Secondary Systems
Supporting aircraft systems and equipment
Lights
DSC-33 • ATA 33External lighting, internal lighting, emergency lighting, cockpit lighting systems.
External Lights • Internal Lights • Emergency Lighting
Communications
DSC-23 • ATA 23VHF radios, HF communication, SATCOM, interphone, PA system, ACARS, CVR operation.
VHF • HF • SATCOM • Interphone • PA • ACARS
Indicating & Recording
DSC-31 • ATA 31PFD, ND, ECAM displays, MCDU, flight data recorder, display management computers.
PFD • ND • ECAM • MCDU • FDR • DMC
Doors
DSC-52 • ATA 52Passenger doors, cargo doors, emergency exits, slide arming, door warning systems.
PAX Doors • Cargo Doors • Emergency Exits • Slides
Cockpit Windows
DSC-56 • ATA 56Windshield heating, window structure, side windows, cockpit window systems.
Window Heat • Structure • Wipers
Equipment & Furnishings
DSC-25 • ATA 25Emergency equipment, oxygen equipment, life vests, fire extinguishers, ELT.
Emergency Equipment • Safety Equipment
Water & Waste
DSC-38 • ATA 38Potable water system, waste system, water quantity indication, servicing.
Potable Water • Waste System • Servicing
Aircraft General
DSC-20 • ATA 20Aircraft dimensions, weights, limitations, structural systems, general overview.
Dimensions • Weights • Limitations • Structure
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