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A320 Notes > Auto Flight > Flashcards

Auto Flight Flashcards

2
Q

How does the soft altitude mode work?

A

On reaching the planned cruise altitude ALT CRZ engages and A/THR maintains the speed/mach target. Two minutes after ALT CRZ engages if the mach mode is operative SOFT ALT mode engages. This allows the aircraft to deviate +/- 50 feet from the target altitude thereby minimizing thrust variations and reducing fuel comsumption.

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3
Q

When is the windshear detection function of the FAC active?

A

At takeoff 3 seconds after liftoff up to 1300ft RA at landing from 1300ft RA to 50ft RA with at least CONF 1 selected.

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4
Q

Which computer provides the windshear detection function?

A

The windshear detection function is provided by the Flight Augmentation Computer (FAC) in takeoff and approach phase.

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5
Q

What is the purpose of the yaw damping function?

A

Yaw damping stabilizes the aircraft in yaw and coordinates its turns. In automatic flight (AP engaged) during takeoff and go around it assists rudder application after an engine failure (short-term yaw compensation).

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6
Q

How does the managed guidance work?

A

The aircraft is guided along the preplanned route vertical lateral and speed/mach profile. This type of preplanned guidance is called Managed. Predicted targets are computed by the FMGS.

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7
Q

How does the automatic speed protection in V/S or FPA mode work?

A

When descending in V/S mode engaged: If the selected V/S value is excessive (with regards to thrust and speed) the FMGS maintains the V/S target but the airspeed increases. When reaching VMAX (VMO or VLE in clean or VFE+4 knots) the AP temporarily abandons the V/S target and automatically decreases the vertical speed to maintain VMAX. The same applies if FPA mode is used with an excessive FPA target.

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8
Q

The following situations when occurring below 200 feet RA with the aircraft in LAND mode trigger the flashing AUTOLAND red warning and a triple click aural warning:

A

Both APs OFF below 200ft RA excessive deviation in LOC or GLIDE (scales flash on PFD) loss of LOC signal above 15ft or loss of GLIDE signal above 100ft and the difference between both radio altimeter is greater than 15ft.

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9
Q

The FMA annunciation ‘A/THR in white’ means?

A

The A/THR is active.

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10
Q

What is the energy circle?

A

The energy circle represents the required distance to land from the aircraft position down to airport elevation at VAPP speed considering all speed constraints of the vertical profile.

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11
Q

The Flight Guidance (FG) part of the FMGS controls the …

A

Flight Director (FD), Autopilot (AP) and Autothrust (A/THR).

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12
Q

What is the definition of the Cost Index (CI)?

A

The CI is the ratio of flight time cost (CT) to fuel cost (CF). CI=0 corresponds to minimum fuel consumption (max. range). CI=999 corresponds to minimum time.

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13
Q

What does amber SPEED BRAKES mean on lower ECAM?

A

Speed brakes are extended and engines are not on idle.

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14
Q

How does the OPEN DECENT mode work?

A

The OPEN DECENT mode is a selected mode and maintains a SPD/MACH (selected or managed) with the AP/FD pitch mode while autothrust (if active) maintains IDLE thrust.

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15
Q

What is the MIX IRS position?

A

Each FMGC receives a position from each of the three IRS’s and computes a mean-weighted average called the ‘MIX IRS’ position.

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16
Q

Which elements are included in the flight management part of the FMGC?

A

Navigation flight planning management of the displays performance optimization and flight predictions

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17
Q

Which protection is not available below 100 feet AGL?

A

The alpha floor protection.

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18
Q

The FMA annunciation ‘A/THR in blue’ means…

A

The A/THR is armed.

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19
Q

Can you trim the rudder during the AP engagement?

A

No when the AP is engaged the rudder trim knob is inoperative and the master FMGC sends rudder orders to the FAC.

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20
Q

What is the function of the rudder travel limitation?

A

This function limits rudder deflection as a function of speed in order to avoid high structural loads.

21
Q

How does the selected guidance work?

A

The aircraft is guided to the selected target modified by the pilot. Targets are selected on the flight control unit located on the pilots glareshield. The decision to engage a selected or managed guidance is always under control of the pilot. Selected guidance has priority over managed guidance.

22
Q

When will the Flight Director (FD) automatically disappear?

A

Both FD’s are removed when the aircraft pitch exceeds 25° up or 13° down or bank angle exceeds 45°

23
Q

What are the essential navigation functions of the FMGC?

A

Position computation evaluation of position accuracy radio navigation tuning and alignment of the IRS.

24
Q

On which page can you enter the ZFW on the MCDU when the engines are running?

A

On the FUEL PRED page.

25
Q

What is the function of the Flight Augmentation Computer (FAC)?

A

The FAC controls rudder rudder trim and yaw damper inputs computes data for the flight envelope and speed functions and provides warning for low-energy and windshear detection.

26
Q

The Flight Management Guidance System (FMGS) contains the following units:

A

Two Flight Management Guidance Computer (FMGC) two (third is an option) Multipurpose Control and Display Units (MCDU) one Flight Control Unit (FCU) and two Flight Augmentation Computer.

27
Q

How many modes of operation does the FMGS have?

A

Three dual mode (the normal mode) independent mode (each FMGC is controlled by its associated MCDU) and single mode (using one FMGC only).

28
Q

On the ground, how do you arm the A/THR?

A
  • By setting the thrust levers in the TOGA or FLEX gate (when a FLEX temp inserted in the MCDU)
  • At least one FD must be ON for the A/THR to arm during takeoff
29
Q

If the FLEX TEMP is not entered on the TAKOFF page of the MCDU, and the thrust levers are positioned in the FLEX detent, what will occur?

A
  • A warning will be generated

- Continue to move the thrust levers to the TOGA detent and execute a max thrust takeoff

30
Q

Can both autopilots be engaged during any phase of flight?

A

No, only during an ILS approach

31
Q

What does the red AUTO LAND light indicate?

A

Below 200’ RA:
- Excessive deviation (LOC or G/S)

  • Loss of both autopilots
  • Loss of LOC or G/S signals
  • Difference of 15 feet between the RAs
32
Q

How do you confirm all autopilot, FD, and A/THR inputs?

A

Confirm all mode inputs by reference to the FMA

33
Q

What is the active range of the A/THR?

A
  • Just above IDLE to the CL detent (2 Engines)

- Just above IDLE to the MCT detent (1 Engine)

34
Q

What is the normal operational position of the thrust levers when A/THR is active?

A

The CL detent

35
Q

What determines the maximum thrust the A/THR system will be able to command?

A

The position detent of the thrust lever

36
Q

What are 3 ways to disconnect the A/THR?

A
  • A/THR pushbutton
  • Instinctive Disconnect buttons
  • Thrust Levers to IDLE
37
Q

What is the preferred method of disconnecting A/THR?

A

Set the thrust levers to match the TLA to the existing N1 and disconnect using the instinctive disconnect pushbutton

38
Q

How do you disconnect the A/THR for the remainder of the flight?

A

Press and hold the Instinctive Disconnect button for 15 seconds

39
Q

Will you be able to restore A/THR?

A

No

40
Q

How do you then regain normal A/THR?

A
  • Move Thrust Levers to the TOGA detent
  • Press the Instinctive Disconnect button
  • Return Thrust Levers to CL detent
  • Push the A/THR pushbutton to engage A/THR
41
Q

When would Thrust Lock occur?

A
  • Thrust levers in CL detent and A/THR pushbutton on the FCU is pushed, or
  • A/THR disconnects due to a failure
42
Q

What is Alpha Lock?

A

This function inhibits retracting slats from 1 to 0 at a high angle of attack or low airspeed

43
Q

What happens to thrust and what annunciates on the FMA when you reach Alpha Floor?

A
  • Thrust: TOGA

- FMA: A.FLOOR

44
Q

What occurs during Alpha Floor protection after speed increases above Vls?

A

FMA changes to TOGA LK

45
Q

When is Alpha Floor Protection active?

A

From lift-off through 100’ RA on approach

46
Q

Is this protection (Ground Speed Mini) available in selected speed?

A

No, managed speed only

47
Q

What does the red arrow in the SIDESTICK PRIORITY light mean?

A

It illuminates in from of the pilot losing authority

48
Q

How would you regain control?

A
  • The last pilot to press the pushbutton on the side stick will have authority
  • An aural “Priority Left” or “Priority Right” will sound

A320 Notes (29 decks)

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