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ECAM mode that takes precedence

Aviation Mechanic Powerplant (AMP) practice question 12 of 12 on Engine Instrument Systems. ACS element AM.III.D.K10 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Powerplant (AMP) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONOn an electronic centralized aircraft monitor (ECAM) system, which mode takes precedence over all other modes when a failure occurs?

  1. AThe manual synoptic display mode
  2. BThe flight phase mode
  3. CThe failure-related mode
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. The failure-related mode

  • A — incorrect Manual mode shows system diagrams chosen by the crew, and a failure warning or advisory event cancels that view.
  • B — incorrect Flight phase is the mode normally used in ordinary operation, stepping through preflight, takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, approach and post landing.
  • C — correct The failure-related mode appears automatically and takes precedence over all other modes regardless of which mode was selected when the failure occurred.

BACKGROUND

An electronic centralized aircraft monitor (ECAM) system performs monitoring duties automatically so the pilot is free to fly the aircraft until a problem occurs. Aircraft data are fed into two flight warning computers, which drive signal generators that illuminate two monitors. The system has four basic modes: flight phase, advisory, failure related, and manual. Flight phase is the mode normally used, while advisory and failure-related modes appear automatically as the situation requires; the failure-related mode takes precedence over all other modes no matter which mode was selected when the failure happened. When an advisory or failure is shown on the primary monitor, the secondary monitor automatically displays the system schematic with numerical values, and color coding orders the information by importance.

STUDY TIP

Rank the ECAM modes by who commands the screen: automatic failure indications override anything the crew has selected manually.

KEY POINTS

  • ECAM has four modes: flight phase, advisory, failure related, and manual.
  • The failure-related mode takes precedence over any selected mode.
  • The secondary monitor automatically shows the related system schematic with values.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-31B ch10 "Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor (ECAM)"
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-32B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Powerplant, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.