Autoflight Flashcards
How many axis can each Autopilot control?
Why does it matter?
Two
Need redundancy for Cat 2 or 3 fail protection
What does the Radio Altimeter give you during an auto land?
Determines when to Flare, if the RA fails you get a “No Land 3”
When does the aircraft line up on the runway (rudder) during an autoland?
500’
When do arrival speeds populate on the INIT REF page?
Halfway to the destination
Anytime the VNAV page is updated what should be referenced?
The TOD and programed descent speeds vs STAR and “red box” speeds
Typical approach EPR-
1.04-1.08
What will put the FMC into “On Approach Mode”?
- An approach procedure becomes the active procedure
- Flaps extended after VNAV engaged in descent
- Less than 12nm from destination
- Missed approach point is the active waypoint
What benefit for speed management does “On Approach” mode give you?
-The speed window can be opened and the system will remain in VNAV PATH.
FM 6.110.10.28
What takes the system out of Approach mode?
Touchdown, Selecting GA, Overflying the missed approach point
Why is it good to use FLCH for a low altitude level off?
FLCH sets a vertical speed equals to half of the altitude difference between current and planned level off altitude.
ALT CAP vs ALT HOLD
CAP means it’s capturING,
HOLD means it has capturED and will hold the Altitude
V1 calls at rotation-
Positive Rate, Gear Up, HDG Select
V1 calls at 800’
work right to left
-“V/S 100, Set CMS, A/T arm switch off”
V1 calls when at desired speed-
-“FLCH, set _ speed, max cont thrust”
V1 calls - when can you engage the autopilot?
When a vertical speed is selected, in this case V/S
If using FLCH for a low altitude level off what is a threat on a SID?
If you have the Top Altitude set you could blow through any “at or below” altitudes or an assigned altitude
Does RTO distance calculations assume use of reversers?
No
When looking at FMAs what does a yellow line through the pitch or roll mode indicate?
A fault in that mode
Autothrottle modes-
What does EPR mean in flight?
The autothrotle is maintaining thrust called for by the FMS during a climb. *This is the only time EPR normally occurs during a flight
Autothrottle modes-
What does THR HOLD mean?
Autothrottle is de-energized.
Thrust levers will remain in current position unless moved manually or another A/T or pitch mode is engaged.
What pitch will “TO” mode command after liftoff
both engines operating
The greater of:
V2+15 -or- Liftoff speed+15
What pitch will “TO” mode command after liftoff
If an engine fails prior to liftoff
The greater of:
V2-or-speed at Main gear liftoff, up to a maximum of V2+15
V2 to V2+15
What pitch will “TO” mode command if an engine fails airborne?
Speed at the time of failure as long as it’s V2->V2+15
-If the commanded speed is held for more than 5 seconds the flight director will command current speed up to V2+25
In the ASA status window what are the top and bottom windows capable of displaying?
Top- What the aircraft CAN do (LAND2/ LAND3)
Bottom- What the aircraft can NOT do. (No Land 3 or NO AUTOLAND)
If the ASA widow shows LAND 3 Is that fail operational or fail passive and what does that mean?
LAND 3 is Fail Operational
A single fault would not prevent the autopilot system from making an auto land. (normally three autopilot systems are operating)
If the ASA widow shows LAND 2 Is that fail operational or fail passive and what does that mean?
LAND 2 is Fail Passive
A single fault would not cause significant deviation from a flight path. (normally two autopilot systems are operating)
When on an auto land approach
when could a NO LAND 3 indication be displayed?
When could a NO AUTOLAND be displayed
NO LAND 3- Anytime the aircraft is above 200’ RA
—> Is inhibited below 200’
NO AUTOLAND- anytime, **Is NOT inhibited
Does the ASA system monitor airborne and ground equipment?
No- it is primarily and autopilot and autopilot support system monitor.
The LAND 2 or 3 annunciators do not necessarily mean the LOC or G/S systems are working properly
Below 200’ RA what can the ASA change to?
Only NO AUTOLAND
How does the auto throttle system respond to gusts that decrease speed vs gusts that decrease speed?
If speed is decreases it will adjust quickly.
If speed in increased it will adjust slowly.
The result is the thrust average is higher than necessary to maintain command speed
Can the auto throttle be used without the F/D or the A/P?
Yes
