What is the primary purpose of ECAM on the A321?

• A. It provides weather radar images.
• B. It logs maintenance data.
• C. ECAM presents faults by system and provides step-by-step actions or QRH references to restore normal conditions.
• D. It controls autopilot only.

Answer: (C)

ECAM is designed to centralize fault information and guide the crew through corrective actions to restore normal operation. When a fault occurs, ECAM identifies the affected system, presents the fault messages, and provides in-context, step-by-step procedures or QRH references to follow. This makes it easier to isolate the problem, understand the impact on other systems, and perform the correct sequence of actions to bring the aircraft back to normal conditions. ECAM also keeps the crew informed about remaining system status and any operating limitations associated with the faults. It’s not responsible for displaying weather radar images, nor is it a maintenance logging system, and it doesn’t control the autopilot.