FLT-CTL Panel

Flight Simulation Hardware – Flight Control Panel (Captain Side)

Overview

This panel replicates the Flight Control (FLT CTL) section of the Airbus A3XX cockpit, specifically for the captain's side. It enables simulation of control toggling for three key flight control computers:

• ELAC1 (Elevator Aileron Computer)

• SEC1 (Spoiler Elevator Computer)

• FAC1 (Flight Augmentation Computer)

Each module is presented with a backlit Korry-style dual switch (FAULT, OFF) and matching legend.

⚠️ Flight Simulation Only – Not for use in real aviation applications.

Panel Layout

This panel uses a horizontal alignment of the three control modules:

• From left to right: ELAC1, SEC1, FAC1

• Each module contains:

  • A square space to mount a dual Korry-style switch.

  • Surrounding white silkscreen rectangles and labels.

  • Top and bottom illumination points for the button segments.

The front panel acrylic features laser-engraved legends for each function and a centered “FLT CTL” label above the modules.

PCB Details

Connectors & Interfaces

J1 – 40-Pin Header (Top Left)

• Provides individual outputs for:

  • Top LED

  • Bottom LED

  • Switch state (momentary)

J7 – 2-Pin Terminal Block (Bottom Center)

• Marked +12V Variable Backlight and GND

• Supplies power to the LED backlight system.

Korry Switch Pads

• Labeled for:

  • TOP_LED +5V, TOP_LED GND

  • BOTTOM_LED +5V, BOTTOM_LED GND

  • SW_GND, SW_OUT

Each Korry switch has its own silkscreen footprint and dedicated labeled pad for clear wiring.

LEDs and Indicators

• Yellow surface-mounted LEDs (D1–D18) positioned around the three switch zones.

  • Each module has 6 LEDs to ensure uniform backlighting.

• Current-limiting resistors (R1–R6) are positioned near the LED arrays and matched per module.

Mounting and Assembly

• 2 large corner mounting holes on both sides of the PCB and acrylic panel.

• The silkscreen includes:

  • Accurate outlines for Korry switch modules.

  • Pin labels and alignment guides.

• Switches fit into center-aligned footprints with routed panel cutouts.

Fabrication and Panel Fit

Acrylic Front Panel:

• CNC-cut with legends for:

  • FLT CTL, ELAC1, SEC1, FAC1

  • Korry button text: FAULT (top), OFF (bottom)

• Color-coded DXF-like layout:

  • Red = Front Panel

  • Blue = Back Panel

  • Green = Engraving

  • Orange = Korry Labels

Acrylic cutouts align precisely with the PCB-mounted components and LEDs for consistent backlighting and tactile switch feedback.

PCB Design Reference

• Red traces = top copper layer

• Blue traces = bottom copper layer

• Yellow = component silkscreen and labels

• White silkscreen shows connector references and legends

The board is designed for a clean signal path and simplified wiring between the 40-pin header and the three switches.

Attribution

• Version: FLT CTL (CPT) Panel v1.0

• Project: OpenA3XX

• License: CC BY-SA 4.0

• Note: Design for simulation use only.