How do you maintain situational awareness in IMC on the A321?

• A. Rely on outside references and pilot's observation.
• B. Rely on PFD/ND and ECAM for guidance, adhere to the programmed route, and maintain coordination with ATC and the crew.
• C. Ignore ECAM and rely solely on ATC instructions.
• D. Remove all cockpit instrumentation to reduce workload.

Answer: (B)

Maintaining situational awareness in IMC on the A321 means building and maintaining a continuous, instrument-based picture of where you are and where you’re going, using the aircraft’s displays, automation, and crew communication. Rely on the Primary Flight Display for attitude, airspeed, and altitude, and the Navigation Display for the programmed route, waypoints, and nav data. Let the Flight Management System follow the route with the autopilot and flight directors providing guidance, so you can focus on monitoring the flight path and system status. The ECAM shows real-time system status, warnings, and recommended actions, helping you anticipate issues and follow checklists before they become problems. Stay coordinated with ATC and with the crew to confirm clearances, altitude assignments, and deviations, maintaining a shared mental picture of the flight path and cross-checking inputs and alerts. In IMC you don’t rely on outside visuals or guesses; you rely on instruments and automation, guided by ECAM and the published route, with ongoing crew and ATC coordination.