Date: 201408
Local time of day: 1801-2400
Location: ZZZ.ARTCC, US
Light: Night
Aircraft: A319
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Descent
Airspace: Class A ZZZ; Class E ZZZ
ATC / advisory: Center ZZZ
Aircraft component: Seat Belt Sign
Component problem: Design; Improperly Operated
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Pilot Flying; Captain
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human factors: Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Second reporter function: First Officer; Pilot Not Flying
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
Detector: Person Passenger
When detected: Taxi; In-flight
Result: General None Reported / Taken
Contributing factors: Aircraft; Company Policy; Procedure
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: We were flying an aircraft with the seat belt signs and lights reversed. I have flown for seventeen years. Sometime during the latter part of the flight the seat belt sign was turned ON and OFF as light turbulence came and went. Apparently; with the reversed configuration (as opposed to our legacy aircraft) one of us turned the seat belt sign OFF when we meant it to be ON. During the 18;000 FT transition flow this was missed and the pilot not flying read the checklist which only calls for STATUS - CHECKED. Both he and I missed that the seat belt sign was off; rather than on. The flight attendants didn't notice this either; and when we landed I (thought) I turned the seat belt sign OFF; but in fact was only then turning it 'ON' for the first time since 18;000 FT. As passengers were deplaning; a passenger identified himself as an FAA Inspector; and asked us why the seat belt sign hadn't been turned on during descent and landing. He was concerned because during descent some people had been up using the rest room and he thought we were too far long in our descent for people to be up. To my knowledge; all passengers were seated after the 'Flight attendants; prepare for landing' announcement was given and the seat belt sign double-chime at 10;000 AFL. The inspector was concerned that cross-checks had degraded in that none of the flight attendants or the pilots noticed the seat belt sign was off. I told him it was likely due to the reversed position of the switches; and that yes; I may have missed it. It was close to midnight; and though fatigue was not a factor; having been on duty for ten hours or so may have contributed to missing this item. Most likely reversed switch positions on east metal and not close-enough checking of seat-belt sign indication out of 18;000 FT. Closer attention to detail; never fly east metal again. Can that be arranged? Also; do you know how sluggish CFM's are on the ground? You practically need TOGA power to get above 10 KTS on the taxi!


Second narrative: [Report narrative contained no additional information.]


Synopsis: An A319 seat belt sign OFF and ON switch positions are reversed between Airbus aircraft. The seat belt sign was ON during cruise and OFF for landing.