Autoflight Flashcards
Some FCU knobs can be pushed and pulled. What does each generally do?
Pull- selected guidance (a mode that doesn’t use FMS data).
Push- managed guidance (FMS controls autoflight system).
*Selected guidance always takes priority over managed guidance.
What does each column of the FMA display?
- Autothrust mode.
- Vertical flight guidance modes.
- Lateral flight guidance modes.
- Approach capabilities and enters DH/MDA.
- Status of autopilot, FD and A/THR.
What determines which FMGC is MASTER?
If AP 1 is on, FMGC 1 is MASTER.
If AP 2 is on, FMGC 2 is MASTER.
If neither autopilot is on, FMGC 1 defaults as the MASTER.
What is the limitation for engaging the AP after takeoff?
100ft AGL and at least 5 seconds after liftoff.
What is the preferred and other methods for disengaging the AP?
Preferred:
pressing red disconnect button on side stick (pressing it a second time silences chime).
Other methods:
-Pressing an illuminated AP pb.
-Applying force to sidestick or rudder pedals.
Which FMGC normally controls the A/THR system?
The FMGC that controls the engaged AP.
If no AP is engaged, FMGC 1 controls A/THR.
If the controlling FMGC fails, the opposite FMGC automatically takes over.
What is the active range of the A/THR?
Both engines running:
Just above idle up to and including CL detent.
Single engine operations :
Just above idle stop up to and including MCT detent.
What indication on FMA indicates that Fixed Thrust is active? What are the 4 possible modes?
THR CLM- fixed climb thrust available for ambient conditions.
THR IDLE- fixed idle thrust.
THR MCT- single engine ops, MCT detent.
THR LVR- thrust levers are in a position that limits autothrust’s authority.
What indications on the FMA indicate autothrust is in a variable mode? When is it used?
SPEED or MACH
Used:
-during climb/descent for a specific rate.
-as an altitude is being captured.
-during level flight.
When all flight guidance is selected off, but autothrust is still active.
How is autothrust disconnected?
-Pressing one of two pbs on thrust levers.
-retarding the thrust levers to idle.
*will also disconnect if A/THR pb pressed, however since this is not normal a Level 2 Caution is generated.
What are the default modes for AP and FD when selected on in flight?
HDG and VS
*on the ground default modes depend on the flight plan and settings of the FCU.
What colour on the PFD indicates managed modes are being performed?
MAGENTA
What is V APP speed and how is it calculated?
Reference speed flown down approach when fully configured for landing.
Automatically calculated by adding 5kts to V LS plus 1/3 of steady state winds entered into MCDU.
What does Ground Speed Mini do and how is it calculated?
Provides windshear protection by ensuring a minimum ground speed is flown during approach- ensures sudden changes in headwind do not result in airspeed dropping below V APP.
Calculated by subtracting runway headwind from V APP.
How are Open Climb and Open Descent engaged and what thrust is used?
Pulling the ALT knob.
Open Climb- thrust is fixed at climb power.
Open Descent- thrust begins at idle power.
*in both cases, constraints on flight plan are ignored and pitch is used to command airspeed.
