A320 – ATA 30 Ice & Rain Protection (Mixed-Level B1)
This module contains 50 mixed-level (basic and advanced) questions covering the Airbus A320 Ice and
Rain Protection systems. It includes wing and engine anti-ice, probe and window heat, rain removal
systems, and ECAM maintenance indications.
1. What ATA chapter covers ice and rain protection?
Answer: ATA 30
Explanation: Includes all systems used to prevent or remove ice and rain accumulation.
2. What system provides wing anti-ice on the A320?
Answer: Bleed air from the engine pneumatic system
Explanation: Hot air from the 5th or 9th stage of the engine is used to heat wing leading edges.
3. Which parts of the wing are heated for anti-ice?
Answer: Slat 3, 4, and 5 on each wing
Explanation: These slats contain hot air ducts to prevent ice formation.
4. What system is used for engine anti-ice?
Answer: Hot bleed air routed to the engine inlet lip
Explanation: Prevents ice accumulation on fan cowl lips.
5. How is engine anti-ice activated?
Answer: By ENG ANTI ICE pushbutton on overhead panel
Explanation: Opens anti-ice valves and activates ECAM indications.
6. What type of valve controls the engine anti-ice system?
Answer: Pneumatically operated, electrically controlled valve
Explanation: Uses engine bleed air pressure for actuation.
7. What happens when the wing anti-ice is turned on?
Answer: Bleed valves open and hot air flows to wing slats
Explanation: Temperature is regulated automatically to prevent overheating.
8. Which computer monitors wing anti-ice operation?
Answer: Air Conditioning System Controller (ACSC)
Explanation: Controls valve operation and overheat protection.
9. What indicates a wing anti-ice failure?
Answer: ECAM WING ANTI ICE FAULT message
Explanation: Triggered by valve disagreement or temperature fault.
10. How is the probe heat powered?
Answer: 115V AC electrical supply
Explanation: Heating elements prevent ice formation on pitot and static probes.
11. When does probe heating operate automatically?
Answer: When at least one engine is running
Explanation: Ground logic energizes heaters to avoid damage when stationary.
12. Which probes are heated on the A320?
Answer: Pitot, static, AOA, and TAT probes
Explanation: All essential air data sensors include electrical heating.
13. What protects windshields from ice formation?
Answer: Electrical heating elements embedded in glass
Explanation: Controlled by Window Heat Controllers for both sides.
14. How is window heat controlled?
Answer: Automatically by Window Heat Controllers (WHC)
Explanation: Maintain constant temperature to prevent fog or ice.
15. How many windshield wipers are installed?
Answer: Two wipers (one per side)
Explanation: Each powered by independent electrical motors.
16. How are windshield wipers controlled?
Answer: By WIPER selector on overhead panel
Explanation: Provides OFF, SLOW, and FAST speed modes.
17. What prevents rain accumulation on windshield without wipers?
Answer: Rain repellent system (if installed)
Explanation: Sprays hydrophobic fluid onto the windshield surface.
18. What is the function of the rain repellent system?
Answer: Improves visibility during heavy rain
Explanation: Applies repellent fluid to disperse water film.
19. How is the rain repellent fluid delivered?
Answer: By electrically controlled solenoid valves
Explanation: Activated by cockpit pushbutton, fluid stored in small reservoir.
20. Which component controls the window heat power?
Answer: Window Heat Controller (WHC)
Explanation: Regulates power and monitors temperature feedback.
21. What ECAM memo appears when wing anti-ice is ON?
Answer: WING ANTI ICE memo in green
Explanation: Indicates system activation and valve open status.
22. What ECAM caution appears for anti-ice overheat?
Answer: WING ANTI ICE FAULT
Explanation: Indicates temperature exceeding limits or valve malfunction.
23. What component protects window heaters from overheat?
Answer: Thermal sensors within the windshield
Explanation: Automatically reduce power to prevent glass damage.
24. What is the power source for window heat?
Answer: 115V AC supply
Explanation: Each side powered by separate bus for redundancy.
25. Where are the wing anti-ice valves located?
Answer: In the leading edge duct area near the pylon
Explanation: Control flow of hot air into wing slat manifolds.
26. What protects wing anti-ice ducts from overpressure?
Answer: Pressure relief valves
Explanation: Open if bleed air pressure exceeds design limit.
27. How are anti-ice valves tested?
Answer: By maintenance BITE through MCDU or CMC
Explanation: Simulates electrical control and checks valve response.
28. What system provides feedback for valve position?
Answer: Valve position sensors
Explanation: Send open/closed status to ECAM and ACSC.
29. What happens if both anti-ice valves fail?
Answer: ECAM warning and system isolation
Explanation: Prevents asymmetric heating of wing surfaces.
30. How are electrical heating elements monitored?
Answer: By Window Heat Controllers or Probe Heat Monitors
Explanation: Check resistance and current draw of heating circuits.
31. How are AOA vane heaters controlled?
Answer: Automatically with probe heat
Explanation: Prevent icing of angle-of-attack sensors.
32. What is the purpose of TAT probe heating?
Answer: Prevents ice formation affecting temperature accuracy
Explanation: Ensures correct data for engine and air data systems.
33. When is window heat automatically turned on?
Answer: After at least one engine start
Explanation: Ensures clear view during all flight phases.
34. How many temperature zones does each windshield heater have?
Answer: Two zones (inner and outer ply)
Explanation: Provide uniform heating and redundancy.
35. How can window heat be manually switched off?
Answer: By WINDOW HEAT pushbutton OFF
Explanation: Used during maintenance or fault isolation.
36. What is the typical operating temperature of window heat?
Answer: Around 35–45°C
Explanation: Maintains visibility without thermal stress on glass.
37. Where are rain repellent reservoirs located?
Answer: In the cockpit overhead area
Explanation: Small tank with electrical pump for spray delivery.
38. What maintenance precaution applies to rain repellent fluid?
Answer: Use approved fluid only, avoid eye/skin contact
Explanation: Fluid is toxic and must be handled with PPE.
39. What is the logic for automatic anti-ice activation?
Answer: Crew manual selection only
Explanation: A320 does not have automatic anti-ice engagement.
40. What is the function of the engine anti-ice valve position switch?
Answer: Provides feedback to ECAM
Explanation: Indicates whether valve is open or closed.
41. What indicates an anti-ice valve disagree?
Answer: Amber FAULT light on pushbutton
Explanation: Commanded and actual positions do not match.
42. What type of maintenance check verifies heater operation?
Answer: Continuity and current measurement test
Explanation: Performed using AMM procedures on ground power.
43. What is the function of the ice detector system?
Answer: Advisory detection of ice accumulation
Explanation: Provides signal to crew for anti-ice activation.
44. What does the WIPER park position indicate?
Answer: Wipers stopped and power removed
Explanation: Protects motor from overheating when not in use.
45. How are windshield wipers synchronized?
Answer: By electronic control unit
Explanation: Keeps both wipers moving in phase.
46. What provides power to wiper motors?
Answer: 28V DC supply
Explanation: Independent motors ensure redundancy.
47. What component monitors window heat performance?
Answer: Window Heat Controller (WHC)
Explanation: Performs continuous temperature control and fault detection.