A320 Communication Questions

When would a green AM light illuminate on RMP 1?

• Would not illuminate
• If AM mode is required and crew has selected HF1 and AM
• If crew has selected HF1 and single side band mode
• If AM mode is required and crew has selected HF 2 and AM

Explanation: HF1 is one of the transceivers normally dedicated to RMP 1, so if the crew has selected HF1 and AM mode on that RMP, the AM pushbutton's green monitor light comes on to show AM (rather than the default single-sideband) mode is active.

Communications - Radio Tuning (RMP AM Pushbutton)

When selecting the guarded RMP NAV key:

• Manual tuning via the MCDU RAD NAV page is still possible.
• Manual tuning via the MCDU RAD NAV page is always possible.
• FMGC auto tuning is inhibited.
• Manual tuning via the MCDU RAD NAV page is only possible on the offside radio.

Explanation: The guarded NAV key hands control of the VOR, ILS, GLS, MLS and ADF receivers from the FMGC to the RMP — engaging it is exactly what takes automatic FMGC tuning out of the loop, in favor of manual backup tuning through the RMP.

Communications - Radio Tuning (RMP NAV Key, Backup Mode)

Is STBY/NAV tuning possible on RMP 3.

• Yes.
• No.

Explanation: RMP 3 has no STBY NAV tuning capability — that backup navaid-tuning function is only built into RMP 1 and RMP 2.

Communications - Radio Nav Tuning (Back-Up Tuning)

Which ACP transmission key will illuminate if the flight attendants are calling the cockpit?

• PA.
• CAB.
• ALERT.
• VHF3.

Explanation: The CAB transmission key doubles as the flight-attendant call indicator: its legend flashes amber (labeled ATT) when a cabin attendant calls the cockpit, and pressing that same key also selects the cabin interphone channel for the pilot to answer.

Communications - Internal Communication (Cabin Interphone System / Controls)

When using the boom mike, oxygen mask mike, or hand mike: the PA key must be pressed and held to use the aircraft PA system.

• True
• False

Explanation: Pressing the MECH transmission key selects the flight-interphone channel that also reaches the ground-mechanic jack near the nose gear bay; the crew still transmits on it through their normal push-to-talk controls — the ACP's INT/RAD switch or the sidestick radio selector — just as with any other interphone or radio channel.

Communications - Internal Communication (Flight Crew Interphone / Ground Mechanic Call System)

With the AUDIO SWITCHING knob in the CAPT3 position, the Captain uses his acoustic equipment on ACP3.

• True.
• False.

Explanation: With the AUDIO SWITCHING selector at CAPT 3, the Captain's own headset and mikes route through ACP 3 (the third occupant's audio control panel) instead of ACP 1 — used to work around a failed ACP 1 or ACP 2.

Communications - Controls (Audio Switching)

The BFO key enables the beat frequency oscillator for listening to the ID signal.

• True.
• False.

Explanation: The BFO (Beat Frequency Oscillator) key, used with an ADF selected, is what lets the crew hear the station's Morse-code identification audio — for most ADF installations, BFO must be active to hear that ident tone.

Navigation - Radio Nav Controls (RMP, BFO Key)

To make a PA announcement:

• Depress and hold the PA transmission key push button.
• Use the pedestal mounted handset
• Both are correct.

Explanation: A PA announcement can be made either by pressing and holding the PA transmission key on the ACP while speaking into a boom, mask, or hand mike, or simply by using the pedestal-mounted cockpit handset, which needs no ACP selection at all — both are valid methods.

Communications - Internal Communication (Passenger Address, Controls and Indicators)