avionics smoke presentation is two-fold: The ECAM Avionics Smoke procedure is not intuitive The ECAM action steps alter many aircraft systems. This lecture provides a general explanation of the abnormal procedure. It is intended to minimize possible confusion should this occur during your Airbus career. Introduction
The AVIONICS SMOKE ECAM message is triggered if smoke is detected by the smoke detector located within the avionics ventilation system. If smoke is detected Avionics Equipment Smoke Detector Single Chime Indications
the ECAM displays the ECAM Avionics Smoke message and action steps. The ELEC page is displayed because the action steps lead the pilot into the emergency electrical configuration. The ECAM begins a five minute countdown. Well discuss the countdown later. Indications
Indications on the overhead panel include:
The SMOKE light in the GEN 1 LINE pb.
The FAULT light in the BLOWER and EXTRACT pbs. ECAM PROCEDURE Considerations before executing the AVIONICS SMOKE ECAM procedure include:
The Operators Abnormal/Emergency procedures.
If the source and severity of the smoke dictate continuation of the ECAM procedure, the flight crew manually places the aircraft in the emergency electrical configuration.
The ECAM procedure contains two conditional (IF) statements to preclude the manual application of the emergency electrical configuration.
We call these conditional statements Critical Decision Point 1 and 2. Brief Each Other Review STATUS Page Refer to QRH and/or FCOM VOL-3 Execute ECAM Actions Abnormal/Emergency Responsibilities
In the avionics smoke scenario, the captain may want to assume the PF responsibilities due to the possibility of the aircraft entering the emergency electrical configuration.
In the emergency electrical configuration, the first officers display units are unpowered. Communicate Navigation Request Configuration Changes as Appropriate FLY THE AIRCRAFT! Command ECAM Actions PM PF Abnormal and/or Emergency Occurs Cancel & Identify Flight Path Established Above 400 ft AGL I have control and ATC. Execute ECAM Actions. PM PF I HAVE CONTROL AND ATC. EXECUTE ECAM ACTIONS AVIONICS SMOKE Single Chime Abnormal and/or Emergency Occurs Cancel & Identify Flight Path Established Above 400 ft AGL Pilot Responsibilities
ECAM Execution
The AVIONICS SMOKE ECAM procedure begins with the conditional statement IF PERCEPTIBLE SMOKE: Anytime white letters are displayed on the ECAM, it is asking the flight crew to make a decision. The blue action steps following the white conditional statements are only required if the conditional statement is true. IF PERCEPTIBLE SMOKE: is our Critical Decision Point 1. ECAM Execution If smoke is not perceived (sight or smell) avionics smoke may not actually exist. If that is the case, DO NOT proceed with the ECAM. Continue to search for signs of avionics smoke and clear the ECAM, but stay vigilant for signs of smoke. If the message reappears, take appropriate action based on whether or not smoke is perceived. In flight fires are extremely dangerous. If the fire is determined to be real, start action to get on the ground first and ask questions second. ECAM Execution
If any crew member perceives smoke, proceed with the ECAM.
ECAM Execution
The first action step is for all cockpit crewmembers to don oxygen masks.
Select 100%
If needed, push or rotate red emergency flow knob to clear mask of smoke.
Will the mask fit over eye glasses? Communications
Suggested ACP configuration with captain as PF and oxygen masks on: Captain ATC Communications - Push to talk on VHF1 Crew Communications Hot mic only when needed PA Communications Push and hold down PA button FO Crew communications Push to talk on INT PA Communications Push and hold down PA button Both pilots should refrain from hot mics with oxygen masks on. ECAM Execution
Notice that the ECAM does not recognize that you have your masks on; therefore, the step remains displayed.
DO NOT use the CLR key in an effort to remove this step. It will clear all of the AVIONICS SMOKE steps that are currently displayed. Simply skip over the step and proceed to the next one. F23087p F23087p ECAM Execution
The next action step is to select the cabin fans off. ECAM Execution
This step is taken in order to prevent (or limit) smoke from entering the cockpit and cabin. ECAM Execution
Notice that the CAB FANS..OFF action step is no longer displayed and subsequent action steps have moved up. The next two action steps are BLOWER.....OVRD and EXTRACT..OVRD. ECAM Execution
Selecting the BLOWER and EXTRACT pbs to OVRD commands the AEVC to place the avionics ventilation system in the smoke configuration. Small Internal Flap Open Avionics Smoke Configuration Skin Heat Exchanger Valve Closed Air Cond Inlet Valve Open OVRD OVRD OVRD OVRD The avionics ventilation system is now in the smoke configuration. Several things have occurred: Air conditioned air is provided to the avionics ventilation system. The skin / heat exchange isolation valves close. The blower fan is turned off. A small flap on the extract valve opens. The extract fan continues to run to draw air from the avionics ventilation system and exhaust it overboard through the small flap on the extract valve. ECAM Execution ECAM Execution
After the BLOWER and EXTRACT pbs are selected to OVRD, the action steps disappear and the 5 minute countdown moves up. The 5 minute countdown, now at 3 minutes and 57 seconds, started when the message was originally displayed. It is provided to give the smoke configuration time to remove the smoke. This is Critical Decision Point 2.
3 3 3 3 ECAM Execution
During the countdown, the crew should consider all of the following: Smoke/Fire severity Approach preparation The QRH Avionics Smoke procedure
3 3 Smoke/Fire Severity
If the severity of the smoke/fire dictate an immediate de-powering of the aircraft, the flight crew should continue with the ECAM and disregard the countdown. In other words, you do not have to wait for the countdown to elapse to zero before proceeding with the ECAM.
3 3 Approach Preparation If the decision is made to wait and see during the countdown, the crew may use the time programming the aircraft for approach and landing.
3 3 QRH Avionics Smoke Procedure
Additionally, the crew may consult the QRH Avionics Smoke procedure for additional information during the countdown (if the decision was made to wait and see). The QRH provides additional steps and considerations for isolating the faulty equipment and smoke removal procedures.
If the smoke has dissipated and is no longer perceptible during the countdown, leave the BLOWER and EXTRACT pbs in the OVRD position. The reconfiguration of the avionics ventilation system has forced the smoke overboard and it is no longer impacting crew and passengers. However, the source of the smoke still exists and LAND ASAP still applies. Remember, you commenced the ECAM procedure because smoke was perceptible. ECAM Execution
Continuing with the ECAM procedure will attempt to eliminate the source of the smoke by manually entering the EMER ELEC CONFIG.
Remember, you DO NOT have to wait for the countdown to reach 0? ECAM Execution
The countdown is removed after reaching 0. Other action steps below it move up. EMER ELEC GEN1 LIN OFF is now the next action step.
ECAM Execution
Selecting the GEN 1 LINE pb OFF, isolates GEN 1 from the electrical system. F23087p F23087p ECAM Execution
GEN 1 still powers a fuel pump in each wing. This is the cause of the 3% draw indicated on the ELEC page.
Notice GEN 2 automatically powers the electrical system.
Is there a difference between these overhead generator pbs?
ECAM Execution
EMER ELEC PWR ...MAN ON action step has now moved up and is the next step to be completed.
Once this step is completed you will see the ELEC page change again.
ECAM Execution
By performing the EMER ELEC PWR ...MAN ON action step, the wind driven Ram Air Turbine (RAT) extends and provides BLUE hydraulic pressure which powers the Emergency Generator (EMER GEN).
We will see how this changes the ELEC page.
Is there a difference between the RAT pbs? ECAM Execution
The E/WD indicates the RAT has been deployed (RAT OUT) and the emergency generator is functional (EMER GEN). The ELEC page depicts the EMER GEN is powering the AC ESS bus and DC ESS bus through the ESS TR. The Rats Nest is a term referring to the EMER GEN, ESS TR, DC ESS and AC ESS indications on the ELEC page. At this point all steps on the electrical system are powered except for the items in the galley that have been automatically shed. ECAM Execution
Another condition statement has moved up. WHEN EMER GEN AVAIL: is mandating that the flight crew determine the availability of the EMER GEN.
The RAT OUT, EMER GEN, and Rats Nest provide positive indications that the emergency generator is available. ECAM Execution
After the EMER GEN is available, the ECAM procedure directs the pilot to select GEN 2 off.
This is the BIG action step! Before performing this action step, there are a few things to consider.
Emergency electrical power
Autopilot
Autothrust
Flight control degradation
Display unit failures
And
ECAM Execution
Lighting (cabin and cockpit) Consider briefing the lead FA and/or making a short PA announcement about the change in lighting that is about to occur. Namely, the emergency overhead lighting will replace the normal lighting and the exit signs will illuminate. ECAM Execution Right Hand (FOs) Dome Light
Also consider the flight deck lighting that will remain when GEN 2 is turned off. One source of light you will have will be the FOs dome light. The switch for the dome lights must be in a position other than OFF for the FOs dome light to be on. F23087p F23087p ECAM Execution Left Set (Capts) flood lights
Another source of light you will have will be the Captains set of flood lights activated by the FLOOD LT switch. The switch for the flood lights must be in a position other than OFF for the lights to be on. F23087p F23087p ECAM Execution
After considering the effects, select GEN 2 off. ECAM Execution X X X
Notice that once GEN 2 goes offline the only display units left are the captains PFD, ND and the E/WD. ECAM Execution Notice the ECAM message has changed to EMERG CONFIG! And the loss of the lower DU. Where did AVIONICS SMOKE go? The action steps that were taken up to this point have shut down approximately 75 % of the electrically powered components on the aircraft and put the aircraft in the ELEC EMER CONFIG. The aircraft can achieve this configuration automatically when there are electrical system malfunctions but in this case we have achieved it manually in order to eliminate the source of smoke that caused the AVIONICS SMOKE situation. ECAM Execution
The first action step is MIN RAT SPEED..140 KT. 140KTS is the minimum speed that guarantees to keep the RAT blades spinning. This action step will not go away automatically. You must skip over it. ECAM Execution
The next action step is VHF1/ATC1.USE. What this means is that VHF1 is the only radio left and ATC1 means that only transponder 1 remains. This action step will not go away because the system is not monitoring when these steps are used. You must skip over this action step to the next one. ECAM Execution
The next action step is LDG ELEV.MAN ADJUST. This action step indirectly reminds the flight crew that the aircraft reverts to battery power after gear extension. On battery power, the remaining FMGC (1) will be lost. If this occurs, the pressurization system will lose its landing field data. Therefore, the pilot needs to manually supply landing field elevation to the pressurization computer (CPC 1).
To accomplish manual landing elevation, use the LDG ELEV selector knob. ECAM Execution Note: Currently, A320 Series aircraft do not revert to battery power after gear extension in the Electrical Emergency configuration. Therefore, this step does not display on the ECAM since FMGC 1 remains powered until after landing.
Due to the loss of the lower DU, setting a precise landing elevation with the LDG ELEV selector requires the pilot to push and hold the PRESS pb on the ECAM control panel.
The PRESS page will be displayed on the upper DU as long as the pb is held down. Are you in manual pressurization?
NO!! Only landing elevation is manually selected. Still automatic pressurization through CPC system 1. ECAM Execution The LDG ELEV.MAN ADJUST action step has cleared and another conditional statement is displayed. BEFORE L/G EXTENSION: and its action steps remind the flight crew the emergency electrical configuration was self induced. If desired, the flight crew may restore power by selecting GEN 2 ON. As a reminder, the conditional statement and action steps are also displayed on the STATUS page. Well assume power restoration is not desired. Therefore, all blue action steps for the EMER CONFIG procedure are completed. Time for the CLR pb!!
ECAM Execution
Now the AVIONICS SMOKE title is displayed again. All blue action steps have been completed so push the CLR pb again. ECAM Execution
The GEN 2 OFF was triggered after manually selecting GEN 2 off during the AVIONICS SMOKE procedure. No blue action steps so push the CLR pb again.
ECAM Execution
PRED W/S DET FAULT (predictive windshear) has failed because of a combination of offline systems. We can clear this step as well. ECAM Execution
The flight controls have degraded to alternate law due to multiple ADIRUs (2 and 3) being unpowered. Clear again!
ECAM Execution
The ECAM is now lights out.
There are no system pages to clear through since the ECAM is in single DU operation. In other words, the STATUS page will not display automatically after the last clear. The flight crew needs to manually display the STATUS page by pushing and holding the STS pb on the ECAM control panel. This will make the status page replace the E/WD.
ECAM Execution
We can see that the 140 KT min RAT speed is repeated and that a MAX SPEED of 320 KT is a new step that is listed.
ECAM Execution
MAX BRK PR ..1000PSI is listed because the ANTI SKID system is on the list of INOP SYS.
ECAM Execution
FUEL GRAVTY FEED AVOID NEGATIVE G FACTOR is listed because the aircraft thinks it is in the EMER ELEC CONFIG because of electrical system failures. In truth, we manually entered this configuration so we still have a fuel pump operating in each wing when we normally would not in this configuration.
ECAM Execution APPR PROC: GEN 2 ..ON and EMER ELEC GEN 1 LINE ON are not mandatory. It is simply an option for you to exercise if you determine that it is appropriate. We have hopefully eliminated the source of the smoke at this point but fumes may still linger. If the smoke was very bad and getting worse before we entered the EMER ELEC CONFIG these actions would not be a good idea. Note Some things to consider before performing these action steps: The severity of the smoke IMC or VMC Day or night Weather Approach type
ECAM Execution
APPR PROC: FOR LDG.USE FLAP 3 is to have a higher approach speed for more control since the landing will be in direct law. AT 1000FT AGL: L/G DN is due to fact that when the gear is lowered the aircraft will transition from alternate law to direct law.
ECAM Execution
You will learn more about these step further down the road in your training.
ECAM Execution
This is the beginning of the list of precautionary statements. The green down arrow signifies more information exists further down the status page.
ECAM Execution
This is the list of inoperative system related to the failures you have encountered. To see steps further down the status page you must release the STS button and then push it again.
ECAM Execution
More precautionary statements are now displayed yet a green down arrow still exits. This signifies that there are more inoperative systems to view. Again, the STS button must be released and then pushed again.
ECAM Execution
Now that we have seen all the information available on the status page; it is time to let go of the STS button and go back to a lights out ECAM. Once the ECAM is complete, time permitting, the QRH Electrical Emergency Configuration summary should be consulted.
ECAM Execution Do you realize smoke in the cockpit or cabin may occur without generating an ECAM message. Where is the crew expected to go for an abnormal without an ECAM message?