Airbus A320 Type Rating Systems Prep
High-Fidelity Airbus System Training For Cadet & Active Transition Pilots
Exam Specifications
Type Rating Training Organizations (TRTO) & Global Operators
80% Correct Answers
2 to 4 Weeks Directed Study
2 hours
Varies, averaging 100 theoretical questions per set.
Multiple Choice Questions, Systems Technical Paper (FCOM-based)
Exam Overview
The A320 Type Rating systems exam tests FCOM knowledge across ATA chapters 21–80: flight controls (ELAC/SEC/FAC), hydraulics, electrical bus architecture, pneumatics, and ECAM abnormal procedures. Most airlines and TRTOs require a minimum score of 80% to proceed to simulator entries.
Transitioning to the active fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft demands precision limits knowledge. The systems rating theoretical examination checks your memory of pneumatic configs, hydraulic pumps, fuel flow valves, flight computer transfers, and ECAM commands. Heading380 offers an intense interactive engine simulating technical system failures.
Topics correspond strictly to standard FCOM (Flight Crew Operating Manual) chapters (ATA Subject Chapters 21 to 80). Systems include ATA 27 (Flight Controls), ATA 24 (Electrical Power), ATA 29 (Hydraulics), and ATA 36 (Pneumatics).
High-yield focus: Flight Control computer configurations (ELAC/SEC/FAC) and Electrical bus distribution have critical marking weighting in technical exams.
Theoretical Subject Syllabus Blocks
Airbus A320 Family Systems
FCOM systems, limits, electrical line feeds, automatic pilot logic, flight laws, and landing configurations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
QWhat is the passing threshold margin for A320 Systems rating tests?
Most airlines and regulators demand a minimum score of 80% to pass the technical systems knowledge evaluation paper before sim entries.
QHow does Heading380 simulate fly-by-wire flight laws?
Our database contains custom scenarios mapping transition triggers between Normal Law, Alternate Law, and Direct Flight Law, including alpha protection logic and ground spoiler arming conditions.
QWhich ATA chapters does the Heading380 A320 module cover?
Heading380 covers 16 ATA chapters: ATA 21 Air Conditioning, ATA 22 Auto Flight, ATA 23 Communications, ATA 24 Electrical Power, ATA 26 Fire Protection, ATA 27 Flight Controls, ATA 28 Fuel, ATA 29 Hydraulic Power, ATA 30 Ice & Rain Protection, ATA 32 Landing Gear, ATA 33 Lights, ATA 34 Navigation, ATA 36 Pneumatic, ATA 49 APU, ATA 70 Powerplant CFM56, and ATA 73 Engine Fuel & Control.
QHow does Heading380 simulate A320 ECAM abnormal procedure questioning?
The ECAM abnormal section presents system failure scenarios drawn from FCOM Chapter 3 procedures. Questions test recall of the corrective action sequence, affected LRUs, inhibition logic, and crew coordination steps — matching the oral questioning format used by type rating examiners during simulator debrief sessions.
QDoes Heading380's A320 content apply to the A319 and A321 variants?
Yes. The A320ceo and neo family (A318, A319, A320, A321) shares the same fly-by-wire architecture, ECAM philosophy, and FCOM structure. Heading380 content is applicable across CFM56-5B and CFM56-5A powered variants. IAE V2500 variant-specific differences are noted where they diverge from CFM56 behaviour.
QDoes Heading380 prepare me for the A320 type rating simulator check, or only the ground exam?
Heading380 prepares you for the theoretical ground examination component of the type rating. Simulator procedural handling — SID, STAR, non-precision approaches, and engine-out drills — requires actual sim hours with an approved training organisation. Heading380's VIVA module is designed to rehearse the oral debrief style examiners use after each sim session.
Simulator Practice Deck
Access Heading380's free on-line preparation suite. Master simulated cabin stressors and error logging indicators immediately.
Includes cadet features:
- Spaced Repetition Engine
- Custom Radar & METAR Weather
- ATA-Standards Telemetry Logs