FLIGHT CONTROLS: VERIFY THE COMMAND AND RESPONSE
Sidestick inputs pass through the flight-control computers and control logic to the powered surfaces. The relationship between an input, the commanded response and actual surface movement is therefore part of the aircraft's flight-control system. Include that relationship when interpreting the F/CTL page or investigating a hardware input. [33, PDF pp. 2]
With the appropriate aircraft state established, carry out the required control check and observe direction and travel on ECAM F/CTL. Compare the displayed response with the command at the controls. The feel or movement of a desktop joystick does not establish that the aircraft received the intended input or completed the expected travel. [34, PDF pp. 6–7] [14, PDF pp. 1051–1062]
Resolve duplicated assignments and calibration problems on the ground. Confirm that cockpit control movement agrees with your hardware, then use measured inputs and allow the aircraft to respond in flight. A clean input setup makes later handling observations much more meaningful, particularly when comparing airframes or investigating an unexpected response. [35, flight-control calibration procedure]
A320 flight-control surfaces in the original airframe drawing. [33, PDF p. 3]
IN PRACTICE: Flight controls: check full travel and sense
Before you begin: Perform at the appropriate after-start/before-takeoff stage with normal hydraulic power, the aircraft secure and the surface area clear. Complete before arming autobrake; use the actual installed controls and bindings.
1. Set up the receiving display
Action. Call the ECAM F/CTL page and confirm the relevant hydraulic/control state. Arrange the view so you can compare your input with the indicated surfaces throughout the check.
Check. The display is usable for a command-and-response check, rather than a brief glance at a page after the controls have moved. [33, PDF pp. 42-43] [14, PDF p. 1052]
2. Check the pitch axis
Action. Apply full aft sidestick, then full forward, then neutral, observing the elevator response and correct sense. Hold each full input long enough for the surfaces to reach their full travel.
Check. Both elevators respond in the correct sense and return with the commanded neutral state; the travel has actually been observed. [14, PDF p. 1052]
3. Check the roll axis
Action. Apply full left sidestick, full right and neutral. Observe the aileron response and appropriate spoiler deflection/retraction on F/CTL while following each command.
Check. The roll surfaces move in the correct sense through the required travel and return appropriately. [33, PDF pp. 8-18] [14, PDF p. 1052]
4. Check the rudder deliberately
Action. Use the installed PEDAL DISC function as required by the control-check procedure, then command full left rudder, full right and neutral. Observe the rudder indication and avoid an unintended nosewheel-steering input.
Check. The rudder follows the intended commands through its travel. The steering arrangement and pedal check are kept distinct. [14, PDF p. 1052]
5. Resolve a disagreement before taxi
Action. If an axis has the wrong sense, an unexplained offset or incomplete travel, inspect the actual hardware binding/calibration and aircraft state before continuing. Repeat the affected check after correction.
Check. The check ends with correct observed response, not simply with the stick and pedals having been moved. [33, PDF pp. 2-6] [36, PDF p. 1]
Complete when: Pitch, roll and rudder responses agree with the commands, full travel and return have been observed, and the controls are left neutral for the next task.