Function of various Switches on the ECAM Control Panel
Each ECAM DU has ON/OFF and brightness controls located on the left side of the ECAM control panel.
The ECAM control panel (ECP) facilitates the selection of what is displayed on the ECAM DUs, including warning/caution messages and A/C system/status images. Specifically, the ECP controls allow for:
manual selection of any A/C system synoptic diagram,
cancellation of a warning inhibition (RECALL),
clearing warning/caution messages after performing a procedure (CLR),
manual activation of status functions (STS),
sequential display of all A/C system pages using the ALL key,
cancellation of warning/caution (audio and visual) under specific conditions (EMER CANC),
changing pages in case of message overflow,
initiating a takeoff configuration test (T.O CONFIG).
T.O CONFIG
This function lists systems not in a safe takeoff configuration (e.g., pitch trim, slats/flaps, spoilers, side sticks, parking brake). If not activated during T.O MEMO scrolling, T.O configuration warnings will trigger when moving from phase 2 to phase 3. Aural alerts can be silenced by deselecting the takeoff position of the throttle control levers.
Emergency cancel
Pressing the EMER CANC key on the ECAM CP effectively silences any aural warning that may be sounding, including those generated by the Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS). This key is an integral part of the Emergency Cancel feature found on the Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor Control Panel (ECAM CP).
The purpose of this functionality is to provide the flight crew with a means to manage and mitigate the auditory alerts that can be overwhelming or distracting during critical phases of flight, particularly in situations involving system failures or emergencies.
This feature is particularly valuable as it allows the crew to stop an untimely repetitive aural warning that may arise in the event of a failure, which could otherwise lead to unnecessary stress or confusion in the cockpit environment.
When the EMER CANC key is activated, it not only silences the aural alerts but also simultaneously turns off the associated MASTER caution and warning lights that accompany these alerts.
This dual action helps to create a clearer and more manageable cockpit environment, allowing the flight crew to focus on assessing the situation at hand without the distraction of persistent auditory signals.
Furthermore, it is important to note that while the EMER CANC key silences these warnings, it does not eliminate the underlying issues that triggered the alarms, thereby emphasizing the need for the crew to promptly address the root cause of the warnings to ensure the safety and integrity of the aircraft's operation.