Overhead Scan - Ventilation Panel (FO)

The first panel in the final column is similar to its counterpart on the Captain's side, but not exactly the same. In fact the overhead panel is one of the few places in the cockpit that there isn't perfect symmetry.


Drawing: Eric Bradley [© 2015]

So, once again we start with the wiper switch and rain repellent button, but now instead of the Oxygen panel we have the Engine Start panel. Now it is important to understand that pushing in these buttons is not how you start the engines.

The purpose of the two MAN START buttons is that they enable manual starting of the engines when the Engine Mode Selector switch on the pedestal is set to IGN/START or CRANK (the latter is used after an unsuccessful engine start attempt).

The N1 MODE switches are used for changing the thrust control between EPR and N1. Manually switching to N1 mode is not a normal procedure, but sometimes the computer will detect a situation where N1 is suggested.

When that is the case, pushing in the N1 MODE button for the affected engine will make it happen, and the blue ON light will illuminate (remember that blue lights are used to indicate the status of temporary systems).

The top of the panel is divided into two sections. The left side has 2x push-buttons that control whether the ventilation system is in automatic mode. When smoke is detected in the ventilation system for more than 5 seconds, the FAULT condition will trigger. You can put the ventilation system into manual over-ride by pushing these buttons.

Then finally there is a simple push-button for controlling the cabin fans. Its normal state is ON, and when not operating the OFF light will illuminate.