The Ultimate Guide to Airbus A320 Cockpit Layout: A Comprehensive Overview
The Airbus A320 is one of the most popular commercial airliners in the world, known for its efficiency, reliability, and comfort. As a crucial aspect of its design, the cockpit layout plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and performance of the aircraft. In this article, we will provide an in-depth look at the Airbus A320 cockpit layout, including a downloadable PDF guide.
Introduction to the Airbus A320
The Airbus A320 is a narrow-body, twin-engine jet airliner that was first introduced in the late 1980s. Since then, it has become a staple in the aviation industry, with over 7,000 aircraft delivered worldwide. The A320 family, which includes the A318, A319, A320, and A321, has been designed to offer a high level of commonality between variants, making it easier for pilots to transition between different models.
Cockpit Layout: A Critical Component of the A320
The cockpit layout of the Airbus A320 is designed to provide pilots with a safe, efficient, and intuitive environment to operate the aircraft. The layout is carefully planned to minimize pilot workload, reduce fatigue, and enhance situational awareness. The cockpit is equipped with a range of advanced avionics, including the iconic fly-by-wire (FBW) system, which allows for precise control of the aircraft.
Airbus A320 Cockpit Layout: Key Components
The Airbus A320 cockpit layout consists of several key components, including:
Airbus A320 Cockpit Layout PDF: A Downloadable Guide
For those interested in a more detailed and visual representation of the Airbus A320 cockpit layout, we have created a downloadable PDF guide. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed illustration of the cockpit layout, including:
Download the Airbus A320 Cockpit Layout PDF
To download the Airbus A320 Cockpit Layout PDF guide, simply click on the link below:
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Benefits of Understanding the Airbus A320 Cockpit Layout
Understanding the Airbus A320 cockpit layout is essential for pilots, aircraft maintenance personnel, and aviation enthusiasts. By familiarizing yourself with the cockpit layout, you can:
Conclusion
The Airbus A320 cockpit layout is a testament to the innovative design and engineering that has made this aircraft a workhorse of the aviation industry. By understanding the layout and functionality of the cockpit, pilots and aviation professionals can optimize their performance, reduce errors, and enhance safety. With the downloadable PDF guide, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the A320 cockpit and improve your knowledge of this iconic aircraft.
FAQs
Additional Resources
By providing a comprehensive overview of the Airbus A320 cockpit layout, including a downloadable PDF guide, we hope to enhance your knowledge and appreciation of this iconic aircraft. Whether you are a pilot, aviation professional, or enthusiast, understanding the cockpit layout is essential for optimizing performance, reducing errors, and enhancing safety.
The Airbus A320 cockpit is a masterpiece of "Dark Cockpit" philosophy and ergonomics, designed to minimize pilot workload through automation and clear visual feedback. The layout is divided into several distinct panels, each serving a specific phase of flight or aircraft system. 🕹️ Primary Flight Controls
Sidestick Controllers: Located on the outboard side of each pilot. This design frees up the space usually occupied by a central yoke, allowing for a retractable folding table for paperwork or meals.
Fly-By-Wire: Unlike older aircraft, the sidesticks are not mechanically linked to flight surfaces; they send electronic signals to computers that interpret pilot intent. 🖥️ Main Instrument Panel
This is the pilot's primary focal point, dominated by the Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS):
Primary Flight Display (PFD): Shows attitude, airspeed, altitude, and vertical speed.
Navigation Display (ND): Displays the flight plan, weather radar, and TCAS (traffic) information.
Engine Warning Display (EWD): Centrally located to monitor engine health and checklist items.
System Display (SD): Shows detailed schematics of hydraulic, electric, and fuel systems. 🎛️ Overhead & Pedestal Panels
The A320 utilizes approximately 575 buttons and knobs across its various stations:
Overhead Panel: Houses system controls (Fuel, Hydraulics, Electrical, Air Conditioning). It follows a "push-to-dark" logic—if no lights are on, the system is running normally.
Glareshield (FCU): The Flight Control Unit is the interface for the autopilot. Pilots use it to dial in headings, altitudes, and speeds.
Center Pedestal: Contains the Thrust Levers, Flap/Slat levers, Speedbrake, and the MCDU (Multipurpose Control and Display Unit) for entering the flight plan into the FMGC. 🛠️ Technical Specifications
While primarily a narrow-body aircraft, its cockpit and cabin offer significant space advantages:
Wider Cabin: The A320 is roughly 7 inches wider than its primary competitor, the Boeing 737. Wing Area: Provides approximately ( ) of lift surface.
Auxiliary Power: Uses an APU located in the tail for ground power and engine starting.
If you are looking for a specific PDF diagram for study or simulator use, I can help you find: An A320 Technical Training Manual (AMM/FCOM) High-resolution cockpit posters for home simulators A checkride study guide focusing on the overhead panel
Which of these would be most helpful for your current project? A320 Flight Tutorial | Aerofly FS
Finding a comprehensive Airbus A320 Cockpit Layout PDF is easiest through specialized aviation training sites and document repositories. These layouts typically detail the Glass Cockpit environment, including the Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Navigation Display (ND). Top Resources for A320 Cockpit PDFs
V-Prep: Offers a free high-quality A320 cockpit poster available for direct download on their Free Resources page.
Jet Flight Training: Provides specific component PDFs, such as a detailed Overhead Panel layout.
Scribd: Features various user-uploaded manuals and guides, including:
A320 Cockpit Layout and Components (1 page electrical diagram).
A320 Cockpit Layout and Explanation (Detailed overview of instruments and warnings).
Center Pedestal Overview (Focuses on FMS and engine controls).
Cockpit Revolution: Sells professional-grade A320 Cockpit Training Posters that can be scaled to life-size. Key Layout Sections Airbus A320 Cockpit Layout Pdf
An A320 cockpit PDF is generally divided into several key functional areas: A320 Cockpit Layout and Components | PDF | Airbus - Scribd
The Airbus A320 cockpit is a masterpiece of ergonomics, but it only becomes intuitive through repetition. A high-quality Airbus A320 Cockpit Layout PDF is your best first step. Print it in A3 size if possible, laminate it, and stick it on your wall.
Whether you are preparing for a type rating at an airline like Delta or EasyJet, or simply trying to land the Fenix A320 on VATSIM, memorizing the layout is the difference between confusion and confidence.
Final Action Step: Open a new tab. Search for "FlyByWire A32NX Cockpit Diagram PDF". Download it. Start your flow training today.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and training simulation purposes only. For real-world flight operations, always use the current official Airbus documentation provided by your airline or regulatory authority.
The Airbus A320 cockpit is designed with a "Forward-Facing Crew Concept," organizing controls into four primary physical sections to streamline pilot operations Primary Cockpit Sections Overhead Panel
: This panel contains critical system controls (Electrical, Hydraulic, Fuel, and Air Conditioning) arranged in a logical flow from top to bottom and left to right. It includes: (Air Data Inertial Reference System). Oxygen and Fire Protection and external lighting switches. Glareshield : Located directly below the windshield, it houses the Flight Control Unit (FCU) for autopilot and flight director settings, as well as the
(Electronic Flight Instrument System) control panels for both pilots. Main Instrument Panel : Features six identical liquid crystal display units:
(Primary Flight Display): Shows attitude, altitude, and airspeed.
(Navigation Display): Provides horizontal navigation and weather data.
(Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor): Two central screens showing engine data and system warnings. : The central console between the seats containing: Thrust Levers : Controlling engine power.
(Multipurpose Control and Display Units): For programming the Flight Management System. Communication Radios , Flap and Slat levers, and the Speed Brake handle. Essential PDF Resources
Several comprehensive guides and diagrams are available for deep study: A320 Flight Deck Overview
: A detailed digital briefing provided by FlyByWire Simulations, excellent for both flight sim users and real-world enthusiasts. A320 Cockpit Panel Guides (Scribd)
: Includes 18 pages of detailed system diagrams for the A319 and A320. A320 Normal Procedures (TheAirlinePilots)
: A procedural guide focused on checklist flows and cockpit preparation. Chuck's Guides: A320 Tutorial
: A visual-heavy tutorial that simplifies the complex layout for beginners. , such as the Overhead or the Pedestal? Detailed A320 Cockpit Guide (FSX - Aerosoft A320)
The Airbus A320 cockpit is a pioneered "glass cockpit" design, famously replacing traditional control yokes with side-sticks and integrating advanced fly-by-wire technology
. The layout is structured into four primary sections to streamline pilot operations and minimize errors. Airbus Aircraft Key Cockpit Sections Overhead Panel
: This panel follows a "cascade arrangement" for system control. It houses controls for electrical power, hydraulics, fuel, air conditioning, and lighting. Its design is intended to simplify procedures, with most systems operating in an "auto" mode where no lights are illuminated when functioning correctly. Main Instrument Panel
: Positioned directly in front of the pilots, this section features six large Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) displays. It provides critical primary flight data, navigation information, and monitoring through the Electronic Centralised Aircraft Monitor (ECAM). Glareshield
: Located just below the windshield, the glareshield supports the Flight Control Unit (FCU), which pilots use to manage the digital autopilot and auto-flight systems.
: The central area between the seats contains thrust levers, engine master switches, and the Multipurpose Control and Display Units (MCDU) for flight planning. It also holds radio management panels and configuration controls for flaps and speed brakes. Digital and Physical Resources
For those seeking detailed diagrams or training materials, several high-quality PDF resources are available:
FS Labs Airbus A320 Guide | PDF | Cockpit | Aerospace - Scribd
Detailed technical layouts for the Airbus A320 cockpit are primarily documented in the Flight Crew Operating Manual (FCOM) and Flight Deck Briefing documents. The cockpit is logically divided into four main sections to centralize flight, navigation, and system monitoring for the two-pilot crew. Core Cockpit Sections
Overhead Panel: Contains the majority of system control panels (e.g., fuel, hydraulics, electrical, and air conditioning) arranged in a "cascade" layout to minimize errors.
Main Instrument Panel: Houses the Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) and Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring (ECAM) screens, displaying critical flight and navigation data centrally.
Glareshield: Positioned above the main panel, it supports the Flight Control Unit (FCU) used for managing the auto-flight system.
Pedestal: The center console between pilots containing the Multi-purpose Control and Display Units (MCDU), thrust levers, engine controls, and communication panels. Available Technical PDF Resources Document Title Key Content A320 Flight Deck & Systems Briefing
Comprehensive overview of sidestick controllers, panels, and aircraft systems. SlideShare Briefing A320 Cockpit Layout & Components
High-level electrical diagrams and system component labeling. Scribd Technical Layout A320 Normal Procedures PDF
Detailed pre-flight flows and cockpit preparation checklists. TheAirlinePilots.com Interactive Cockpit Guide
A "Clickable" web-based layout useful for identifying specific panels and buttons. FlyByWire Documentation A320 Overhead Panel Diagram
Focused layout of the top panel including lighting and fuel controls. Jet Flight Training A320 Cockpit Layout and Components | PDF | Airbus - Scribd
The Airbus A320 cockpit is renowned as the first to bring fully integrated fly-by-wire technology and a clean, "glass cockpit" layout to commercial aviation. Designed with ergonomics and cross-model commonality in mind, it remains a standard-setter for narrow-body aircraft. 1. Main Instrument Panel: The Glass Cockpit
The front-facing panel is dominated by six large electronic displays that replace traditional analog gauges. This digital ecosystem, managed by the Electronic Instrument System (EIS), ensures pilots have essential data at a glance.
Primary Flight Display (PFD): Situated directly in front of each pilot, showing altitude, airspeed, attitude, and heading.
Navigation Display (ND): Located next to the PFD, providing situational awareness through flight plan routes, weather radar, and terrain data.
Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor (ECAM): Two center-mounted screens.
Upper (E/WD): Displays engine parameters, fuel levels, and warning/caution messages.
Lower (SD): Shows detailed system status for hydraulics, electrics, and environmental controls. 2. The Iconic Sidesticks & Fly-by-Wire
One of the A320’s most revolutionary features is the sidestick, which replaces the traditional center yoke found in Boeing aircraft.
Side-Mounted Ergonomics: Located on the outboard side consoles, these sticks provide an unobstructed view of the main displays and allow for a folding table. The Ultimate Guide to Airbus A320 Cockpit Layout:
Fly-by-Wire (FBW) Logic: Pilot inputs are sent as electronic signals to flight control computers (ELAC, SEC, and FAC). These computers then move the control surfaces while maintaining built-in "flight envelope protections" to prevent unsafe maneuvers.
Lack of Mechanical Linkage: The two sidesticks are not mechanically connected; if both pilots move them simultaneously, the inputs are algebraically summed, and a "Dual Input" warning sounds. How @Airbus #a320 side stick works. #reels # ... - Facebook
The Airbus A320 Cockpit: A Masterclass in Human-Machine Integration
The Airbus A320 revolutionized commercial aviation when it entered service, primarily due to its cockpit design. It introduced the concept of the "Glass Cockpit" and Fly-by-Wire (FBW) technology to narrow-body airliners, replacing traditional heavy mechanical linkages with electronic interfaces. 1. Fundamental Design Philosophy
Unlike its Boeing counterparts, which retain a central control yoke, the A320 uses a sidestick located on the outboard side of each pilot. This design choice frees up space directly in front of the pilot for a folding table, which is used for managing flight charts or meals. 2. Main Instrument Panel Layout
The A320 cockpit is organized into several key areas, designed for a highly automated and integrated workflow:
Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS): The main display consists of six identical Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) units.
Primary Flight Display (PFD): Shows critical flight data like airspeed, altitude, attitude, and vertical speed.
Navigation Display (ND): Displays the flight plan, weather radar, and terrain information.
Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor (ECAM): Centrally located, these screens provide the crew with data on aircraft systems (engines, hydraulics, fuel) and provide checklist guidance during emergencies. 3. Key Control Interfaces
Flight Management and Guidance System (FMGS): Pilots interact with this via the Multipurpose Control and Display Unit (MCDU) located on the center pedestal. It is the "brain" used to program the flight route.
Flight Control Unit (FCU): Located on the glare shield, this panel allows for tactical control of the autopilot, including headings, altitude targets, and vertical speed.
Overhead Panel: Houses controls for the aircraft’s primary systems, including electrical, air conditioning, and fire protection. It follows a "dark cockpit" philosophy, where lights only illuminate to indicate a fault or a change in status. 4. Training and Simulation
Modern flight training for the A320 focuses on "flows" and procedures that leverage this automation. Simulators for the aircraft range from compact solo-training units (approx. 150 cm x 150 cm) to full-motion Level D simulators used for airline certification.
The Striking Differences Between The Airbus A320 & Boeing 737 Cockpits
The Airbus A320 cockpit layout is a cornerstone of modern aviation design, built around the "Dark Cockpit" concept and highly integrated Fly-By-Wire systems . The layout is divided into four primary sections: the Overhead Panel Glareshield Main Instrument Panel 1. Overhead Panel Overhead Panel
acts as the central hub for aircraft system management, organized in a "cascade" arrangement to streamline procedures and reduce errors. FlyByWire Simulations Aft Overhead:
Contains maintenance panels, circuit breakers, and internal lighting controls. Forward Overhead: Features primary system controls including: Electrical System: Battery voltage checks (standard is ), generator controls, and external power. Fuel & Hydraulics:
Pump switches for wing/center tanks and controls for Green, Blue, and Yellow hydraulic systems. Pneumatics & Air Conditioning: Bleed air controls and cabin pressure management. Fire Protection:
Detection and extinguishing controls for engines and the APU. FlyByWire Simulations 2. Glareshield
The Glareshield is positioned directly in front of the pilots at eye level and houses the Flight Control Unit (FCU) A320 Flight Deck Overview - FlyByWire Documentation
It was 11:47 PM when Captain Elena Vasquez received the message from her first officer, Marco: “Found something you’ll want to see. Flight Ops drive. Folder named ‘Legacy.’”
Elena, a 19-year veteran of the airline, had spent the past week preparing for a tricky certification renewal. She needed to revisit the A320’s cockpit layout—not the simplified training posters, but the raw, technical schematics that showed every switch, every circuit breaker, every hidden backup panel.
She opened her laptop and typed into the search bar of the airline’s internal knowledge base: "Airbus A320 Cockpit Layout Pdf"
The search engine hesitated. Then, instead of the usual glossy training manual, a single result appeared: A320_Cockpit_Original_1988_v1.pdf — last modified: March 14, 1988. 34 years ago.
She clicked.
The PDF loaded slowly, line by line, as if the data were still waking up. The first page was a scanned blueprint, yellowed at the edges, with handwritten notes in the margin: “Test flight #003 — Hamburg, F-WWIB.”
Elena leaned in. This wasn’t the modern A320neo or even the CEO layout she knew. This was the original cockpit—the first A320 ever built.
She scrolled past the main instrument panel (six cathode-ray tube displays instead of the modern LCDs). There was the overhead panel with labels in French and English mixed: TRAIN SORTI next to GEAR DOWN. The pedestal had a dedicated slot for paper charts. And in the corner of page 14—a sticky note icon.
She clicked it.
A pop-up annotation appeared: “To the pilot who finds this: The first fly-by-wire sidestick on the left felt like touching lightning. No cables to the ailerons. Just electrons and faith. We taped a rabbit’s foot to its base for the first 100 flights. It’s still there. Look under panel 21VU.”
Elena sat back. She had flown A320s for over a decade. She had never looked under panel 21VU—the avionics ventilation control panel. It was a place no routine maintenance went.
At 12:23 AM, she walked to the airline’s museum hangar, where the retired aircraft sat. She found the oldest A320 in the fleet’s history: registration D-AIPB, delivered 1989.
With a flashlight, she climbed into the cockpit. The smell of old plastic and hydraulic fluid. She unscrewed the small plate beneath panel 21VU.
Tucked inside a folded piece of yellowed electrical tape was a desiccated rabbit’s foot, its metal tag still legible: “FBW #001 — May you never lose electrons.”
Elena smiled, closed the panel, and emailed the PDF to every pilot she knew.
Subject line: “The first A320 cockpit layout pdf. Open with respect.”
From that night on, every time she pre-flighted an A320, she placed her fingers briefly below panel 21VU. Not checking anything. Just remembering that fly-by-wire runs on more than just electricity. It runs on the ghosts of test pilots who knew the difference between a machine and a miracle.
And that’s how an old PDF taught a modern captain that the most important part of the cockpit layout isn’t on any diagram. It’s in the stories we carry between the lines.
The Airbus A320 cockpit is a pioneering "glass cockpit" design, famously replacing traditional control columns with side-stick controllers and implementing a comprehensive fly-by-wire (FBW) system. This layout is standardized across the A320 family (A318, A319, A320, A321) to ensure high crew commonality. Key Cockpit Sections
The flight deck is organized into several distinct areas designed for ergonomic pilot access:
Main Instrument Panel: Houses six identical cathode-ray tube (or LCD in newer models) displays, including the Primary Flight Displays (PFD) for flight data and Navigation Displays (ND) for routing.
Overhead Panel: This is the central hub for managing the aircraft's vital systems, including electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and fuel systems.
Center Pedestal: Located between the pilots, it contains the Multi-Control Display Units (MCDU) for flight management, the thrust levers, and communications equipment. Flight Deck : The flight deck is the
Glareshield: Positioned at eye level, it holds the Flight Control Unit (FCU), which is used to input autopilot commands like heading, altitude, and speed. Advanced System Integration
The A320 cockpit utilizes unique technologies to streamline pilot workload:
ECAM (Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring): A two-screen system that monitors aircraft status and automatically provides electronic checklists during failures.
Side-Sticks: Unlike Boeing aircraft, there is no mechanical link between the pilot and co-pilot sticks; inputs are sent electronically to flight computers.
Complexity: A standard A320 cockpit contains approximately 575 buttons and knobs and 364 circuit breakers. Available PDF Resources
For in-depth study, several technical guides and layout diagrams are available online:
A320 Cockpit Layout & Components PDF (Scribd): A comprehensive breakdown of individual panels and parts.
Airbus A320 Overhead Panel PDF (Jet Training): A high-detail technical poster focusing on the overhead system controls.
A320 Advanced Systems Guide (UC Berkeley): Detailed technical descriptions of the digital systems architecture.
Normal Procedures Guide (TheAirlinePilots): Step-by-step instructions for cockpit preparation and flight phases. Airbus A320 An Advanced Systems Guide
This is the pilot’s primary workspace. Unlike older aircraft with "steam gauges," the A320 uses the Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS).
Primary Flight Display (PFD): Shows critical data like airspeed, altitude, attitude, and vertical speed.
Navigation Display (ND): Provides a visual of the flight plan, weather radar, and nearby terrain.
Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor (ECAM): Two center screens that monitor engine health and system status (fuel, hydraulics, electrics).
Landing Gear Lever: Located to the right of the center screens. 2. The Center Pedestal
Located between the two pilots, this area controls the aircraft's propulsion and navigation inputs.
Thrust Levers: Distinctive for their "detent" system (CL, FLX/MCT, TOGA) rather than a smooth sliding scale.
MCDU (Multipurpose Control and Display Unit): The "keyboard" where pilots input flight plans and performance data into the Flight Management System.
Radio Management Panels (RMP): Used for tuning communication and navigation frequencies.
Speed Brake & Flaps Levers: Controls the aircraft's aerodynamic surfaces for takeoff and landing. 3. The Glideshield (FCU)
Situated just below the windshield, the Flight Control Unit (FCU) is the interface for the autopilot.
Knobs for SPD, HDG, ALT, and V/S: Pilots use these to manually command the aircraft's path.
EFIS Control Panels: Located on either side of the FCU, these allow each pilot to customize what they see on their Navigation Display (e.g., adding airport icons or weather data). 4. The Overhead Panel
The A320 overhead panel is designed with a "dark cockpit" philosophy—if a light is off, the system is running normally.
Primary Systems: Controls for Hydraulics, Fuel, Electrical, and Air Conditioning. Engine Start: The rotary selector and ignition switches.
External Lights: Switches for landing, taxi, and strobe lights. 5. Side Consoles (The Sidestick)
The most famous feature of the A320 cockpit is the Sidestick, which replaces the traditional central yoke.
Location: Placed on the outboard side of each pilot (left for the Captain, right for the First Officer).
Function: Uses electronic signals to move flight surfaces rather than physical cables. Resource Links for PDF Guides
If you are looking for official diagrams or study posters, you can find high-quality visuals at these sources:
Airbus Services: For official training materials and cockpit posters.
SmartCockpit: A massive library of technical manuals and system diagrams for the A320 family.
A320 Study Guide: A popular third-party resource for pilots transitioning to the type.
The rain was hammering against the large panoramic windows of the flight academy, a relentless gray drumming that seemed to blur the line between the tarmac outside and the simulator bay within. Captain Elias stood before the white metal archway, a cup of lukewarm coffee in his hand, watching his newest First Officer, Sarah, fumble with a thick stack of papers.
"Studying the diagrams?" Elias asked, his voice a low rumble.
Sarah looked up, tapping the stapled packet. "I’m trying to memorize the A320 cockpit layout, Captain. The PDF diagrams are clear, but looking at a 2D drawing is different from sitting inside. There are so many switches. It feels... overwhelming."
Elias smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. He walked over and gently took the papers from her hands, setting them down on a desk. "The PDFs are just a map, Sarah. They show you where things are. But to understand the layout, you have to understand the philosophy. You aren't looking at a collection of switches; you’re looking at a masterpiece of human-centered design."
He gestured toward the cockpit door. "Come. Leave the paper behind. Let me tell you the story of why this cockpit looks the way it does."
Note: Links change, but as of 2025, these are known stable URLs for free educational PDFs:
SmartCockpit A320 guide – https://www.smartcockpit.com/plane/AIRBUS/A320.html
(Look for “Cockpit Overview” or “Flight Deck” PDFs)
Airbus A320 cockpit poster (sample) – Search “Airbus A320 cockpit poster” on Aviation Archives or FlightSim.com.
If you cannot find a specific PDF, reply with your exact need (e.g., “overhead panel only” or “printable labeled diagram for students”), and I can generate a text-based labeled diagram you can paste into a Word/Google Doc and export as PDF.
Unlike Boeing’s control yokes (which are in the center), the A320 uses a sidestick on the left wall (Captain) and right wall (First Officer). These are not linked mechanically; they send electronic signals to the flight computers. The "Priority" button allows one pilot to take control.