🧠 The Brain of the A320: Why Fly-by-Wire Mastery is Non-Negotiable

The Airbus A320 revolutionized aviation with its Fly-by-Wire (FBW) technology. Unlike conventional cable-and-pulley systems, the A320’s flight controls are electronic, managed by powerful computers that interpret pilot input and maintain the aircraft's safety envelope.

For an aspiring A320 Type Rated Engineer, understanding how to troubleshoot and certify maintenance on this complex system is the difference between a competent technician and a highly sought-after specialist.

Generic A320 Type Rating courses may cover the theory, but at JSS Aviation—a certified CAR 147 Training Organization operating alongside a CAR 145 MRO—our focus is on the practical skills that competitors often miss: diagnostic mastery of the FBW system. (www.jssaviation.com)

In this guide for high-potential AMEs, we break down:

• The critical role of the Flight Control Computers (FCCS) and Flight Augmentation Computers (FACS).

• The essential maintenance procedures associated with the different Flight Control Laws.

• The specific A320 CAR 147 practical competencies required to clear complex FBW faults.

1. The Hierarchy of Control: Understanding the Computers

The FBW system is governed by three primary groups of computers. For line maintenance, knowing which computer controls which surface, and how to query its status, is fundamental.

Computer Group	Primary Function	Maintenance Focus (JSS Aviation)
ELAC (Elevator Aileron Computer)	Controls elevator and aileron surfaces; manages Normal Law.	Fault Isolation: Troubleshooting aileron/elevator servo-control failures and identifying sensor data discrepancies.
SEC (Spoiler Elevator Computer)	Controls spoilers (ground and flight) and acts as ELAC backup.	Maintenance Actions: Practical exercises on spoiler rigging and checking the integrity of the spoiler control system.
FAC (Flight Augmentation Computer)	Manages rudder, yaw damping, wind-shear detection, and speed protection.	Rudder Control: Procedures for manual rudder trim and diagnosing auto-trim faults; essential for the A320 Type Rating Practical Elements.

JSS Aviation Practical Focus: We train our students to use the Centralized Fault Display System (CFDS) and the Maintenance Access Terminal (MAT) to query specific computer parameters, rather than relying solely on generalized troubleshooting charts. (www.jssaviation.com)

2. Troubleshooting the Flight Control Laws (H2)

The most complex maintenance issues arise when the A320 degrades from Normal Law (full protection) to Alternate Law or Direct Law (reduced protection). Diagnosing the root cause that triggered the reversion is a hallmark of a skilled Type Rated Engineer.

The Practical Troubleshooting Difference:

• Normal Law Faults: Typically involves failure of non-essential services. The training focus is on swiftly identifying the failed computer or sensor and preparing for its replacement without causing further degradation.

• Alternate Law Reversion (The Red Flag): This occurs when critical system failures (e.g., severe hydraulic loss, multiple computer failures) necessitate reduced control authority.

  • Our Competency Goal: Our A320 Type Rating Practical Elements include simulating complex hydraulic leaks or sensor failures and having the trainee correctly identify the law reversion, determine the non-serviceable components, and write the appropriate logbook entry and Minimum Equipment List (MEL) rectification without reference to the manual. (www.jssaviation.com)

• Direct Law Procedures: The maintenance syllabus includes procedures for checking the integrity of the mechanical backup (pedals and trim wheels) that become the primary controls in this rare event.

3. The CAR 147 Practical: Servo-Control and Rigging

The electronic controls still interface with physical hydraulic actuators (servo-controls). The most frequently missed part of a generic A320 Type Rating Practical is the hands-on procedure for replacing and rigging these essential components.

• Servo-Control Replacement: The training emphasizes the safety precautions necessary when working on powered flight controls. We provide mock-up practice for de-pressurizing the hydraulic system, safely removing a servo-control (e.g., on the aileron or elevator), and ensuring the replacement unit is correctly installed. (www.jssaviation.com)

• System Rigging Checks: After any major flight control replacement or adjustment, a rigorous rigging check is required. Our A320 CAR 147 practical syllabus includes instruction on setting up the tooling, using electronic indicators, and certifying the correct deflections and travel limits to ensure the aircraft’s FBW system operates within prescribed tolerances.

Why JSS Aviation? Our practical sessions are taught by engineers who have spent years replacing flight control components in a live MRO environment. We teach you not just what to do, but how to avoid common rigging errors that lead to repeat defects. (www.jssaviation.com)

🚀 Take Control of Your A320 Career

Mastering the A320's Fly-by-Wire system is your direct pathway to a high-demand, high-salary position globally. A comprehensive A320 Type Rating course that emphasizes true practical skill is essential.

Are you ready to enroll in a Type Rating course taught by MRO-experienced professionals?

(www.jssaviation.com)