# EICAS and ECAM: Engine Parameters, Alerts, and Electronic Checklists

> Understand EICAS/ECAM display philosophy, alerting integration, and checklist limitations that require informed crew judgment and CRM discipline.

- **Subject:** 022 — Instrumentation
- **Section:** 022-13 — Integrated Instruments – Electronic Displays
- **Topic code:** 022-13-04
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-03-27
- **Author:** Pablo Asensio Martínez
- **HTML version:** https://pilotsyllabus.com/en/instrumentation/integrated-instruments-electronic-displays/engine-parameters-crew-warnings-aircraft-systems-procedure-and-mission-display-systems/

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Modern aircraft use electronic systems to monitor engine parameters, aircraft systems, and provide crew alerts. The two main systems are **EICAS** (Boeing) and **ECAM** (Airbus).

## System Overview
| Feature | **EICAS** (Boeing) | **ECAM** (Airbus) |
|---|---|---|
| **Primary Display** | Upper Display | E/WD (Engine/Warning Display) |
| **Content** | N1/EPR, EGT, Warnings, Cautions | N1/EPR, EGT, Fuel, Flaps, Warnings, Memos |
| **Secondary Display** | Lower Display | SD (System/Display) |
| **Content** | Hydraulics, Pressurization, Eng 2ndary, Status | System Synoptics (Schematics), Status |

## EICAS Display Modes
1.  **Operational**: Real-time system parameters selected by the crew.
2.  **Status**: Used for dispatch (MEL). Shows flight control positions, hydraulic qty, oxygen, etc.
3.  **Maintenance**: Ground use only for troubleshooting.

## Electronic Checklists (ECL) & Procedures
These systems automatically display the appropriate checklist when a failure is detected by sensors.

### Limitations & Pilot Judgement
The computer triggers checklists based on **sensor thresholds**, but it lacks "context" or awareness of physical damage.
*   **Fuel Leak**: If a leak causes an imbalance, the system may trigger a "Fuel Imbalance" checklist prompting to **Open Crossfeed**.
    *   *Danger*: Doing so would pump the good fuel overboard through the leak.
    *   *Action*: Pilots must diagnose the leak (Fuel Used vs Fuel On Board) before following the ECL.
*   **Engine Damage**: If an engine fails due to severe damage (e.g., vibration, loud bang).
    *   *Danger*: The ECL for a simple flameout might suggest a "Relight".
    *   *Action*: Do not attempt to relight a damaged engine.

## CRM and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
To prevent irreversible errors (like shutting down the wrong engine):
1.  **Confirm the Failure**: Both pilots must agree on the diagnosis.
2.  **Read & Do**: Follow the checklist slowly and methodically.
3.  **Guarded Switches / Thrust Levers**: The Pilot Monitoring (PM) must **never** move a thrust lever, engine master, or guarded switch without explicit **confirmation** from the Pilot Flying (PF).

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Free study notes from pilotsyllabus.com. Not a substitute for training at an approved ATO.