The Airbus A310 cockpit is an advanced flight deck that bridges the technology between analog and early digital avionics. Below is a detailed overview of its layout and systems:

General Layout

• Seating: Two main pilot seats (Captain and First Officer) and an observer seat for a third crew member or inspector.

• Control Panels: Centralized and well-organized panels with a mix of analog gauges and electronic displays.

Main Sections of the Cockpit

1. Instrument Panel (Front Panel)

• Primary Flight Displays (PFD):
  
  

  • Basic analog-style gauges for attitude, altitude, airspeed, and heading.

  • Some later versions include basic EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System).

• Navigation Displays (ND):
  
  

  • Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI).

  • Instruments for VOR, ILS, and other navigational aids.

• Engine Instrumentation:
  
  

  • EPR (Engine Pressure Ratio), N1/N2 RPM, fuel flow, and engine temperatures.

  • Indicators for engine start and status.

• Warning and Annunciation Systems:
  
  

  • Central Warning Panel (CWP): Displays alerts and warnings for system malfunctions.

2. Center Pedestal

• Thrust Levers: Engine power control levers for precise adjustments.

• Autopilot and Auto-throttle Controls: Systems for automated flight operation.

• Communication Panels: Radios and transponders for ATC communication.

• Flight Management System (FMS): Input panel for navigation programming and performance monitoring.

• Trim Controls: Manual controls for pitch, yaw, and rudder trim.

3. Overhead Panel

• Electrical Systems: Controls for AC/DC power, APU, and battery.

• Fuel Systems: Displays and controls for fuel pump operations and crossfeeds.

• Hydraulics: Indicators and switches for hydraulic system management.

• Lighting Controls: Cabin, navigation, and beacon lighting systems.

• Air Conditioning and Pressurization: Cabin temperature and pressurization controls.

• Fire Protection Systems: Engine and APU fire detection and suppression controls.

4. Side Panels

• Flight Controls: Sidestick-like yokes with control column-mounted trim switches.

• Chart Storage and Miscellaneous: Space for checklists, charts, and notes.

5. Aft Center Console (Optional)

• Observer’s Station: Systems monitoring panel and intercom controls.

Key Features

• Autopilot System: Early Airbus autopilot with multiple axis control and lateral/vertical navigation.

• Analog-Digital Transition: The A310 combines traditional "steam gauges" with modern avionics, making it unique among Airbus aircraft.

• Wide Panel Layout: Spacious cockpit design, emphasizing crew comfort and easy access to controls.

The A310 cockpit design represents a significant milestone in aviation, offering a mix of reliability, simplicity, and automation compared to the earlier generation aircraft.