Autoflight Flashcards
What happens to A/THR when one FCU channel is lost?
If FCU channel 1 is lost, A/THR 1 is lost and if FCU channel 2 is lost, A/THR 2 is lost.
If an FCU channel is lost, select the AP for the corresponding FCU channel to regain the operative A/THR.
How does Auto flight manages speed when SPD/MACH selector is pulled out during flight?
During Auto flight, when the SPD/MACH selector knob is pulled out, the SELECTED SPEED mode controls speed either through the AP (pitch control) or the A/THR (thrust control) depending on the current operation.
For example: If the FMGS is in climb, the thrust will be constant and the selected speed will determine the pitch; but if the FMGS is operating in cruise mode, the selected speed will determine the thrust level.
How does the system changes from SPD to MACH and vice-versa?
The changeover occurs automatically from SPD to MACH target during climb and from MACH to SPD during descent.
How does HDG-V/S/TRK-FPA pushbutton work?
Pressing the HDG-V/S/TRK-FPA pushbutton will change the HDG-V/S feature to the TRK-FPA mode and will display the Flight Path Vector (FPV) or BIRD on the PFD.
When the FPV and BIRD are ON, the flight reference is the FPV (or aircraft trajectory) rather than attitude.
However, the guidance input is identical.
The difference being, instead of the guidance system displaying HDG-V/S to correct to the selected guidance, it displays FPV guidance. (FCU 15)
Pushing or pulling the knobs on the FCU changes the mode from managed to selected, except __________?
When the V/S-FPA selector knob is pushed, the FMGS commands a level off by setting the V/S or FPA (whichever is operating) to zero.
What happens to A/THR when takeoff power is set?
A/THR is automatically armed for takeoff when takeoff power is set.
This situation causes the green lights in the A/THR Pb to come on even though the Pb was not pressed. Additionally, the FMA will indicate A/THR armed in blue.
Describe CATIII DUAL system and alert height.
A CAT 3 DUAL system is a fail-operational automatic landing system, that allows for an approach to Fail Operational, CAT IIIB minimums - with no DH.
A CAT IIIB approach uses an Alert Height concept rather than the Decision Height concept.
When is an automatic landing system is Fail Operational?
An automatic landing system is Fail Operational if, in the event of a failure below Alert Height, the remaining part of the automatic system allows the aircraft to complete the approach, flare, and landing.
Note: In the event of a failure, the automatic landing system operates as a fail-passive system…
An automatic landing system is fail-passive if…
An automatic landing system is fail-passive if, in the event of a failure, there is no significant out-of-trim condition or deviation of flight path or attitude, but the landing is not completed automatically. A CAT3 SINGLE system is a Fail-Passive automatic landing system.
Note: With a Fail-Passive automatic landing system the pilot assumes control of the aircraft after a failure.
