Patent ID: 6954639

Claim:
An audio panel for switching audio communications in an aircraft, the audio panel comprising: a communications port for coupling with a communications device for receiving audio communications therefrom; a pilot communication station port for coupling with a pilot communication station; a co-pilot communication station port for coupling with a co-pilot communication station; a plurality of passenger communication station ports for coupling with a plurality of passenger communication stations; and an intercom system having intercom switching circuitry coupled between the communications port, and the pilot, co-pilot, and passenger communications ports for selectively switching the audio communications to the pilot, co-pilot, and passenger communications stations; the intercom switching circuitry including— an All isolation mode that connects the audio communications to the pilot, co-pilot, and passenger communications stations, a Crew isolation mode that connects the audio communications to the pilot and co-pilot communication stations, a Pilot isolation mode that connects the audio communications only to the pilot communication station, and a Co-pilot isolation mode that connects certain two-way audio communications only to the co-pilot communication station so that only the Co-pilot may listen and respond to the audio communications.