A380 Cockpit

[HS-748 2A]

http://www.gillesvidal.com/blogpano/cockpit1.htm

This is pretty cool - just one question though..

What are the two orbs all about on the center console?

'48

[Rockie]

They are hand rests for the touchpad controls immediately in front of them. I think the orbs also have execute switches built into them (like the enter button on your computer).

[Puddle Jumper]

In a sense you are right, it is a hand rest. But actually it's a “palm pad” with a track ball for the flight management system. It basically performs the same control functions as an ordinary computer mouse, but it can be operated more accurately in turbulence and under strong vibration.

Here's a picture that shows it more clearly.



Cheers,

PJ

[Spokes]

The laptop in the back must be in case the crew does not want to stop at the flight planned destination.

[iflyforpie]

Interesting... no blue system...

Thanks HS 748-2A.

[Tim]

there was a thread a while back about just the green and yellow systems

apparently the control surfaces have their own independant hyd accumulators to back up the green and yellow

[HS-748 2A]

The laptop in the back must be in case the crew does not want to stop at the flight planned destination.

Yeah - I snorked to myself when i saw that too.

Thanks for the replies re the orbs. Makes sense. Interesting.

Cheers'

'48

[niss]

Nice view from the vertical stab. cam, what, 380 pilots cant use the ol' tennis ball on a string?

[chancellor]

I noticed tillers on both sides, is that normal on the bigger jets?

[CarbHeat]

A330 has tillers on right and left sides.

[flyinhigh]

you'll find tillers on almost everything from an 737 and up, the AC fleet of 320's and up have tillers on both sides.

[swordfish]

The laptop in the back must be in case the crew does not want to stop at the flight planned destination.

Don't you need 2 laptops for that?