A320 FMGS and MCDU Basics for Type Rating Candidates

The building blocks

• FMGC: the flight management and guidance computers (two, one for each pilot side)
• MCDU: the keyboard and screen used to enter and review data
• FCU: the flight control unit used to select managed or selected guidance
• PFD and ND: show the flight mode annunciator and the planned route to the pilots

The main MCDU pages

• INIT A: route or origin and destination, flight number, cost index, cruise level and temperature
• INIT B: zero fuel weight, zero fuel weight centre of gravity and block fuel
• F-PLN: the flight plan with waypoints, constraints, discontinuities and revisions
• PERF: take-off, climb, cruise, descent and approach performance data
• RAD NAV: selected navigation aids and frequencies
• PROG: progress information and navigation accuracy
• SEC F-PLN: a secondary flight plan for alternates or runway changes
• DATA and FUEL PRED: position and data sources, fuel predictions

A typical set-up flow for study

The exact flow depends on your airline's procedures and the aircraft's software standard, but a common study sequence is: enter and align position, complete INIT A, check the F-PLN against your flight plan, complete INIT B with weights and fuel, then enter take-off performance on the PERF page and review the runway and departure. Always follow your airline's SOPs and the aircraft manufacturer's documentation for real operations.

Common mistakes

• Leaving flight plan discontinuities unresolved
• Selecting the wrong runway, departure or arrival procedure
• Entering weights or fuel in the wrong format or units
• Not cross-checking the flight plan with the paper or electronic flight plan
• Forgetting to review the performance page after a change of runway or conditions

Practising before the course

A browser-based A320 virtual cockpit with a realistic MCDU lets you repeat the set-up flow many times before the type rating. AviaCoach provides a virtual cockpit with an MCDU/FMGS trainer connected to a real navigation database.

What does FMGS stand for?

FMGS stands for Flight Management and Guidance System. It combines flight management (flight plan, performance, navigation) with guidance to the autopilot and flight directors.

Is the MCDU the same as the FMGC?

No. The MCDU is the interface used to enter and view data. The FMGC is the computer that performs the calculations and guidance.

Can I learn FMGS basics before a type rating?

Yes. Many candidates study the pages and the set-up flow in advance with study material and a trainer, then focus the course time on handling and procedures.