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This glossary is written for virtual airline and flight simulation use within Virtual Air Canada Airline. It is not intended as a real-world aviation reference.
The Flight Control Unit is the autopilot and autothrust control panel mounted on the glareshield of Airbus fly-by-wire aircraft. It is the primary interface through which pilots set and manage autopilot targets, including airspeed (or Mach), heading (or track), altitude, and vertical speed (or flight path angle). The FCU features dedicated knobs and push-button selectors for each of these parameters. Pulling a knob places the corresponding mode into “selected” (manual) control, while pushing a knob engages “managed” mode, in which the FMS takes control of that parameter automatically. The FCU also contains the autopilot engagement buttons (AP1, AP2), the autothrust arming switch (A/THR), and the approach mode selector. The glareshield position ensures both pilots have equal access during all phases of flight. The FCU communicates directly with the FMGC and the Flight Augmentation Computer (FAC) to coordinate autopilot, flight director, and autothrust commands into a unified guidance output. The Boeing equivalent is the MCP (Mode Control Panel), which serves an identical function.

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In Virtual Airline Operations

The FCU is one of the most-used controls in Airbus add-ons such as the FlyByWire A32NX. Virtual pilots should understand the difference between “selected” and “managed” modes on the FCU, as engaging the wrong mode is a common source of unexpected aircraft behavior. Proper FCU technique - such as setting a target altitude before reaching it, or arming the approach mode at the right time - is essential for realistic and smooth Airbus operations.
  • FGCS - Flight Guidance Control System
  • FMC-FMGC - Flight Management Computer/Flight Management Guidance Computer
  • FD - Flight Director
  • ECAM - Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor