A320 CBT Ref: C-OL-AC4017

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CLOCK AND RECORDING Rev: 1
SYSTEMS Date: 01.01.2018

TABLE OF CONTENT
LEGAL CAUTION ................................................................................................................................................................. 2
CLOCK AND RECORDING SYSTEMS ................................................................................................................................ 2
CLOCK ................................................................................................................................................................................. 2
UTC TIME AND DATE ................................................................................................................................................................... 2
ELAPSED TIME .............................................................................................................................................................................. 4
CRONOGRAPH .......................................................................................................................................................................... 4
FLIGHT DATA RECORDING SYSTEM .................................................................................................................................. 4
AIRCRAFT INTEGRATED DATA SYSTEM ............................................................................................................................. 5

Copyrights © 2007 by Flyco Training Solutions

 A320 CBT Ref: C-OL-AC4017
Page: 2/6
CLOCK AND RECORDING Rev: 1
SYSTEMS Date: 01.01.2018

1
LEGAL CAUTION
The material contained in this training program is based on the information obtained from
current national, international and company regulations and it is to be used for training
purposes only. At the time of designing this program contained then current information.
In the event of conflict between data provided herein and that in publications issued by
the authority, the authority shall take precedence.

2
CLOCK AND RECORDING SYSTEMS
This chapter deals with aircraft clock and recording systems. Here is the outline:
Clock
Flight Data Recording System
Aircraft Integrated Data System
3
CLOCK
The Airbus 320 has an independent clock installed on the right side of the control panel.
4
The clock is normally synchronized by the GPS; however, it also runs internally to provide
an accurate time reference for use by the aircraft’s avionics systems.
5
The clock gives time reference to the Centralized Fault Data Interface Unit, the Flight
Data Interface Unit, and the Flight Management and Guidance Computer. The time is
also displayed at the bottom of the lower ECAM display.
6
In addition to giving time reference, the clock also provides the date in the form of day-
month-year, elapsed time, and chronograph function.
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It is electrically supplied by two DC sources, one of which is the aircraft hot battery bus.
8
The clock has a digital UTC (GMT) display, an elapsed time display and a chrono counter.
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The UTC display at the center shows the present time in 24-hour format from 0 to 23 hours
59 minutes 59 seconds.
10
The elapsed time display indicates the aircraft flight time from 0 to 99 hours and 59
minutes.
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The chrono-counter registers elapsed time from 0 to 99 minutes, 59 seconds. Now, let’s
look at how you can control the clock functions.
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UTC TIME AND DATE
The UTC selector on the right has three positions: "GPS”, "INT” and "SET”.

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CLOCK AND RECORDING Rev: 1
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With the selector set on the "GPS” position, the time (or date, if selected) is displayed and
synchronized on the GPS information.
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Have a look at this clock. Why do you think that the UTC display shows dashes?
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If the GPS signal is not detected, the UTC display shows dashes. When the GPS signal is
available but the GPS data is invalid, the clock automatically runs on its internal time until
GPS data becomes available.
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When the UTC selector is moved to "INT" position, the internal time (or date, if selected),
which is initialized with the latest valid GPS information appears on the clock.
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If there is no valid GPS information at power up, the internal time will be 00:00:00, until the
clock is initialized.
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You use the "SET" position to set the internal time and date.
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Here the clock is displaying the UTC time. With the UTC selector set on "GPS" or "INT"
position, if you push the DATE/SET button, the UTC time is replaced by the date. When the
button is pushed again, the display returns to UTC time.
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Let’s set the time to 13:32. Move the UTC selector on "SET". The minute digits flash and the
seconds digits are blank.
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Turn the DATE/SET button clockwise to increase the minutes. The button should be turned
counter-clockwise to decrease the minutes, when necessary.
22
With minutes set, push the DATE/SET button. Now, the hour digits flash. Set the desired
hour as you did for the minutes display.
23
After you adjust the hours, switch the UTC selector to the "INT" position. The clock starts
with the seconds digits at 00. Notice that this process must be completed in less than one
minute. Otherwise, it will be necessary to reset the CFDS to synchronize the ECAM time
display with the cockpit clock display.
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Now, let’s set the date on 22 February 2017.
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Place the UTC selector to "SET" position. Push the DATE/SET button. Push it again. The year
digits flash. Now, adjust the year.
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When the DATE/SET button is pushed again, the month digits flash. You can set the desired
month by turning the DATE/SET button appropriately.

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CLOCK AND RECORDING Rev: 1
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You must push the DATE/SET button one more time and turn it as needed to set the day.
Now, the display shows the desired date.
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To complete the procedure, switch the UTC selector to the "INT" position.
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ELAPSED TIME
The elapsed time selector lets you control the elapsed time function.
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You set the selector to "RUN" position to start elapsed time display. After one minute, has
elapsed, the display shows 0001.
31
When you move the elapsed time selector to "STOP" position, the elapsed time display
stops. You can reselect "RUN" position to resume the elapsed time operation.
32
The "RESET" position is used to reset the elapsed time to zero. The elapsed time display
blanks. The selector automatically returns to "STOP" when released.
33
CRONOGRAPH
You may use chronograph function when you need more accurate timing, such as
during non-precision approaches.
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The chronograph function is controlled by the CHRONO pushbutton.
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You push the CHRONO button to start the chronograph. When the button is pushed a
second time, the chrono counter stops and holds at the indicated value.
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The RESET button on the upper left corner lets you reset the chrono counter to zero.
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The remote CHRONO switches on the glareshield can also be used to control the
chronograph function.
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When the button is pushed, the chronometer time is displayed on the respective
navigation display. You push the button again to freeze the displayed value.
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Pushing the button a third time resets the chronometer and the chronometer time
disappears from the display.
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FLIGHT DATA RECORDING SYSTEM
The aircraft is fitted with a Flight Data Recording System which records the mandatory
parameters.
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The system consists of a Flight Data Interface and Management Unit (FDIMU), a Digital
Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and a three-axis Linear Accelerometer.

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The Flight Data Interface and Management Unit collects and processes parameters from
different computers, the Clock, the GROUND CONTROL pushbutton and the DFDR event
pushbutton before supplying the DFDR.
43
The DFDR provides a storage for the mandatory flight parameters collected by the Flight
Data Interface and Management Unit. It can store the data of the last 25 hours.
44
The recorder is placed in a fireproof and shockproof box located in the tail section of the
aircraft.
45
An underwater locator beacon attached to the DFDR helps find the recorder in water.
46
The linear accelerometer is located close to the aircraft center of gravity. It measures the
acceleration of the aircraft in all three axis and sends the data to the DFDR.
47
For maintenance purposes, an optional Quick Access Recorder (QAR) records the same
parameters as the DFDR.
48
The recording is started automatically on the ground, for five minutes after AC electrical
power is ON, then after the first engine has been started. The recording will stop
automatically 5 minutes after the second engine shutdown on the ground. You can start
the recording manually with the GROUND CONTROL button on the RECORDER panel
when on the ground.
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The RECORDER panel is located on the overhead panel. During the cockpit preparation,
the GROUND CONTROL button can be selected to ON to start the DFDR and the CVR
recording before the engine start. The blue ON light comes on. The system automatically
switches from ON to AUTO at the first engine start and the light goes off.
50
On the pedestal, there is a DFDR EVENT pushbutton to set an event mark on the Flight
Data records. This allows for a rapid retrieval of data.
51
When the Flight Data Recording System or the DFDR fails, a respective ECAM caution
message is displayed for crew awareness.
52
AIRCRAFT INTEGRATED DATA SYSTEM
The Aircraft Integrated Data System (AIDS) has two main functions: the first function is the
monitor, process and record various aircraft system parameters.
53
The AIDS uses the Flight Data Interface and Management Unit to obtain and monitor the
relevant aircraft system parameters.

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CLOCK AND RECORDING Rev: 1
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The second function is to generate various system reports to provide an easier trouble
shooting. These reports can be pre-programmed reports from, or selected on the MCDU.
55
The reports may be printed automatically or by using the AIDS PRINT pushbutton. The
system can also send automatic reports via ACARS, if the option is installed.
56
The AIDS PRINT button on the pedestal is usually used for immediate printing of a specific
report, depending on the flight phase. You may also use the MCDU to select another
report for immediate printing.
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End of COURSE.

Copyrights © 2007 by Flyco Training Solutions