If the PA system is inoperative on the 319/320, what must you ensure?

If the PA system is inoperative on the 319/320, what must you ensure?

• A. The cabin lights are on
• B. The crew can rely on passenger hand signals only
• C. The flight deck and cabin interphone still works, the call chime system operates normally, ensure megaphone available and accessible
• D. The flight can be diverted if needed

Answer: (C)

When the PA system is not working, you must make sure that proper crew-to-passenger and crew-to-crew communication channels are still available. The flight deck and cabin interphone needs to function so the cockpit and the cabin crew can talk to each other directly. The passenger call chime system should operate normally so passengers can alert crew to a need or request. And a megaphone should be available and easily accessible so announcements can be made to passengers if needed. These elements together provide essential means to communicate with passengers and coordinate actions during an inoperative PA, which is why this combination is required. Relying on hand signals alone isn’t reliable in a cabin full of passengers, and simply diverting isn’t a mandated response to a PA outage.

When the PA system is not working, you must make sure that proper crew-to-passenger and crew-to-crew communication channels are still available. The flight deck and cabin interphone needs to function so the cockpit and the cabin crew can talk to each other directly. The passenger call chime system should operate normally so passengers can alert crew to a need or request. And a megaphone should be available and easily accessible so announcements can be made to passengers if needed.

These elements together provide essential means to communicate with passengers and coordinate actions during an inoperative PA, which is why this combination is required. Relying on hand signals alone isn’t reliable in a cabin full of passengers, and simply diverting isn’t a mandated response to a PA outage.