CS-VLA 777  Cockpit controls

ED Decision 2003/18/RM

(a)                            Each cockpit control must be located to provide convenient operation, and to prevent confusion and inadvertent operation.

(b)                            The controls must be located and arranged so that the pilot, when strapped in his seat, has full and unrestricted movement of each control without interference from either his clothing (including winter clothing) or from the cockpit structure.

(c)                            Powerplant controls must be located -

(1)                            For tandem seated aeroplanes, on the left side console or instrument panel;

(2)                            For other aeroplanes, at or near the centre of the cockpit, on the pedestal, instrument panel, or overhead; and

(3)                            For aeroplanes, with side-by-side pilot seats and with two sets of Powerplant controls, on left and right consoles.

(d)                            The control location order from left to right must be power lever, propeller (rpm control), and mixture control. Power levers must be at least 2.54cm higher or longer to make them more prominent than propeller (rpm control) or mixture controls. Carburettor heat or alternate air control must be to the left of the throttle or at least 20.3cm from the mixture control when located other than on a pedestal. Carburettor heat or alternate air control, when located on a pedestal must be aft or below the power lever. Supercharger controls must be located below or aft of the propeller controls. Aeroplanes with tandem seating or single-seat aeroplanes may utilise control locations on the left side of the cabin compartment; however, location order from left to right must be power lever, propeller (rpm control) and mixture control.

(e)                            Wing flap and auxiliary lift device controls must be located -

(1)                            Centrally, or to the right of pedestal or powerplant throttle control centreline; and

(2)                            Far enough away from the landing gear control to avoid confusion.

(f)                             The landing gear control must be located to the left of the throttle centreline or pedestal centreline.

(g)                            Each fuel feed selector control must comply with CS-VLA 995 and be located and arranged so that the pilot can see and reach it without moving any seat or primary flight control when his seat is at any position in which it can be placed.

(1)                            For a mechanical fuel selector -

(i)                             The indication of the selected fuel valve position must be by means of a pointer and must provide positive identification and feel (detent, etc.) of the selected position.

(ii)                            The position indicator pointer must be located at the part of the handle that is the maximum dimension of the handle measured from the centre of rotation.

(2)                            For electrical or electronic fuel selector -

(i)                             Digital controls or electrical switches must be properly labelled.

(ii)                            Means must be provided to indicate to, the flight crew the tank or function selected. Selector switch position is not acceptable as a means of indication. The ‘off or ‘closed’ position must be indicated in red.

(3)                            If the fuel valve selector handle or electrical or digital selection is also a fuel shut-off selector, the off position marking must be coloured red. If a separate emergency shut-off means is provided, it also must be coloured red.