What is the purpose of the ADS/ Air Data Computer system in flight?

• A. Provides accurate air data (airspeed, altitude, vertical speed) to the flight computers and ECAM
• B. Controls the primary flight controls
• C. Manages fuel transfer
• D. Provides weather information

Answer: (A)

The air data computer’s job is to provide accurate air data to the airplane’s systems that rely on it, especially the flight computers and the ECAM display. It takes information from the pitot tubes and static ports, applies necessary corrections, and computes values such as indicated airspeed (and Mach), altitude, and vertical speed. This data feeds the flight control systems, autopilot, autothrust, and the cockpit displays, so the aircraft can fly with correct guidance and the pilots see correct information. The system is designed with redundancy and cross-checking among channels, so inconsistent readings trigger warnings or fail-safes.

It isn’t responsible for moving the primary flight controls, managing fuel transfer, or providing weather information—those are handled by other systems (control hydraulics, fuel management systems, and weather radar, respectively).