Expert: Capt Paul - 5/31/2004

Question
  Hi Paul,  

      Thanks. The reply was accurate and upto the point.

      I need a bit more information on the MCDU.

  1. Could you just list out the prominent advantages and disadvantages   
     that are there in MCDUs fitted in A3xx series of planes ?

  2. How convinient is the Data inputting and Data displays in the Airbus
     MCDUs. It's great if you can through some light into the Formats
     that have to be strictly followed while inserting any data. Are
     these formats easy to remember and follow ?


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Followup To
Question -
Hi,
 I would like to know a few information from Pilots on the Multifunctional Control and Display Units (MCDU) that serves as interface to the Pilots and the Flight Management System (FMS) in the Airbus and Boeing Aircrafts.
1. In general how frequently do the pilots use the MCDU during a flight ?
2. What are the major types of communication or Data Transfer between the FMS (or any other systems like satellite communication) and MCDU?
3. What are the Major advantages and disadvantages of the MCDU ( May be from different manufacturers) that is currently available in Airbus and Boeing aircrafts  ?
4. Which of the pages available from MCDU page hierarchy are often used by pilots ? and is it comfortable to traverse through the present system of page hierarchy ?

Please provide answers for the above.

- Thanks
Answer -
1.  The MCDU is used almost ALL the time.  As side from "Hand Flying" the aircraft, it is the primary means of operating the aircraft.

2.  Typically, the MCDU provides an interface for ACARS (Airline Communications and Reporting System).  This is a data transfer system.

3.  This question will get you several different answers, depending upon which pilot you ask - A Boeing Pilot, or an Airbus pilot.

4.  Traversing the pages is quite easy.  The most common pages on the Airbus include "Flt Plan" "Prog" and "Perf"


Any other questions, feel free to ask.

Cheers

Answer
Hmmm.  Disadvantages, well it doesn't do a lateral offset very well, but I understand a that a software update is forthcoming which may solve that problem.  

Oterwise, data input is quite easy.  There are no special codes, you simply have to remember where the data goes.

cheers