Automatic Flight Flashcards
Explain the meaning of a green light illuminated in any MCP mode selector switch
The switch illuminates to indicate mode selection and that the move can be deselected by pushing the switch again
Explain the meaning of a Master (MA) F/D indicator light
The master FCC is indicated by illumination of the respective master (MA) F/D indicator light. The master FCC is determined as follows
- with neither A/P engaged in CMD, the FCC for the first F/D turned on is the master
- with one or both A/Ps engaged in CMD, the FCC for the first A/P in CMD is the master FCC, regardless of which F/D is turned on first
Note: independent F/D operation is indicated by illumination of both MA lights
Explain which roll modes are affected by the bank angle selector
- HDG SEL
- VOR
Describe the manual methods for A/T engagement and disengagement
Engagement:
- Moving the magnetically held A/T ARM switch to ARM, arms the A/T for engagement while in the following pitch modes:
- LVL CHG
- ALT ACQ
- V/S
- VNAV
- ALT HLD
- G/S capture
- TO/GA
Disengagement:
- Moving the A/T Arm switch to OFF
- OR pushing either A/T disengage switch
How is A/T disengagement indicated
- A/T Arm switch releasing to OFF
- Flashing red A/T Disengage lights on the fwd panel
The A/T disengage lights do not illuminate when the A/T automatically disengages after landing touchdown
A/T may automatically disengage when
- 2 sec have elapsed since landing touchdown
- Thrust levers become separated more than 10 degrees, except during takeoff
- Significant thrust difference along with control wheel input of 10 degrees or more throughout the entire flight envelope
Explain what the color green represents in the FMA
Engaged or captured mode
Explain what a green box represents in the FMA
A mode change highlight symbol (rectangle) is drawn around each pitch, roll, CWS, A/P status, and thrust engaged annunciation for a period of 10 seconds after each engagement
Explain what the color white represents in the FMA
Armed modes are shown in smaller white letters at the bottom of the flight mode annunciation boxes
Explain the different meaning of the AFDS autopilot status annunciations: CMD, FD, CWS P, CWS R, SINGLE CH and AUTOPILOT
CMD (green) - one or both A/Ps are engaged
FD (green) - the flight director is ON and the A/P is either OFF or engaged in CWS
CWS P (amber) - pitch mode engaged in CWS
CWS R (amber) - roll modes engaged in CWS
SINGLE CH (amber) - for single A/P ILS approach, annunciation after LOC capture and remains on for entire approach. For dual A/P ILS approach, annunciation after LOC capture and extinguishes after pitch monitor confidence test is successfully completed, then goes to CMD (green)
- SINGLE CH (green) - for an IAN approach, annunciation after FAC capture and remains on until AP disengaged or 100 ft RA
AUTOPILOT (flashing amber) - A/P remains engaged below 100 ft RA for an IAN approach
Explain what conditions must be met before a second A/P can be engaged
- Both VHF NAV receivers tuned to the ILS frequency
- Approach mode (APP) selected
- Second A/P engaged in CMW prior to 800 ft RA
Explain the function of the A/P DISENGAGE bar
Pull down:
- Exposes yellow background
- Disengages both A/Ps
- Prevents A/P engagement
Lift up:
- Conceals yellow background
- Enables A/P engagement
Explain the meaning of an illuminated amber A/P Autopilot Disengage lights on the fwd panel
A/P illuminated amber and flashing:
- A/P reverted to CWS pitch or roll while in CMD
Reset by P/RST (push to reset) either light or selecting another mode
Explain the meaning of an illuminated red A/P Autopilot Disengage lights on the fwd panel
A/P illuminated red and flashing:
- flashes red and tone sound when autopilot has disengaged
A/P illuminated red and steady:
- stabilizer out of trim below 800 ft RA on dual channel approach
- OR ALT ACQ mode inhibited during A/P go-around if stabilizer not trimmed for single A/P operation
- OR automatic ground system tests fail
Reset by pushing P/RST either light or either A/P disengage switch
Explain the indications of a disengaged A/T
- Flashing red A/T P/RST light on the fwd panel
Explain the meaning of the amber STAB OUT OF TRIM light on the left fwd panel
A/P not trimming stabilizer properly (operates only with A/P engaged)
Explain what will happen on approach when TO/GA is selected below 2000 ft RA
- No A/P or single A/P engaged: disconnects A/P (if engaged) and requires manual F/D go around
- Both A/Ps engaged (with FLARE armed on the FMA): A/P go-around mode is activated. A/Ps remain engaged.
Difference in commanded thrust when selecting To/GA once versus twice during a go-around
First push:
- A/T provides reduced go-around N1 to produce 1000 to 2000 rpm rate of climb
Second push:
- A/T advances to the full go around N1 limit
Specify the AFDS flight mode annunciations and their location
The FMA are displayed just above the attitude indicator on the PFD. The mode annunciations from left to right are:
- A/T
- Roll
- Pitch
Explain the meaning of the AFDS FMA A/T modes
N1 - the A/T maintains thrust at the selected N1 limit displayed on the thrust mode display, including full go-around N1 limit
GA - the A/T maintains thrust at reduced go-around setting
RETARD - displayed while A/T moves thrust levers to the aft stop
FMC SPD - the A/T maintains speed commanded by the FMC
MCP SPD - the A/T maintains speed set in the MCP IAS/MACH display
THR HLD- the thrust lever A/T servos are inhibited; the pilot can set the thrust levers manually
ARM (white) - no A/T mode engaged. The thrust lever A/T servos are inhibited: the pilot can set thrust levers manually. Minimum speed protection is provided.
Explain the meaning of the AFDS FMA pitch modes
TO/GA (takeoff) - engaged for takeoff by turning both F/D switches ON and pushing either TO/GA switch
TO/GA (go-around) - engaged for go-around by pushing the TO/GA switch under the following conditions:
- in flight below 2000 ft RA
- OR in flight above 2000 ft RA with flaps not up OR G/S captured
- not in takeoff mode
- either F/D ON or OFF
VNAV SPD - the AFDS maintains the FMC speed displayed on the airspeed indicator and/or the CDU CLIMB or DESCENT pages
VNAV PTH - the AFDS maintains FMC altitude or descent path with pitch commands
V/S (green, engaged) - commands pitch to hold a selected vertical speed
V/S (white, armed) - V/S mode can be engaged by moving vertical speed thumb wheel
ALT ACQ - transition maneuver entered automatically from a V/S, LVL CHG, or VNAV climb or descent to selected MCP altitude. Engages but does not annunciation during VNAV transition
ALT HOLD - commands pitch to hold MCP selected altitude or uncorrected barometric altitude at which ALT HOLD switch was pushed
MCP SPD - pitch commands maintain IAS/MACH window airspeed or Mach
G/S (white) - the AFDS is armed for G/S captured
G/S (green) - the AFDS follows the ILS G/S
FLARE (white) - during a dual A/P ILS approach FLARE is displayed after LOC and G/S capture and below 1500 ft RA. The second A/P couples with the flight controls and A/P gap-around mode arms
FLARE (green) - during dual A/P ILS approach, flare engages at 50 ft RA. FLARE accomplished the auto land flare maneuver
G/P (white) - the AFDS is armed for G/P capture
G/P (green) - the AFDS follows the IAN glide path
Explain the meaning of the AFDS FMA roll modes
LNAV (green) - the AFDS intercepts and tracks the active FMC route
LNAV (white, prior to T/O) - the AFDS is armed to engage LNAV at 50 ft RA
LNAV ( white, approach) - in the approach phase and a missed approach exists in the flight plan
HDG SEL - the A/C is turning to or is on the hdg selected in the MCP heading display
VOR/LOC (white) - AFDS is armed to capture selected VOR or LOC course
VOR/LOC (green) - AFDS tracks selected VOR course or tracks selected LOC course along the inbound front course bearing
FAC (white) - the AFDS is armed to capture the IAN final approach course
FAC (green) - the AFDS tracks the IAN final approach course along the inbound course bearing
B/CRS (white) - the AFDS is armed to capture the LOC final approach back course
B/CRS (green) - the AFDS tracks the LOC final approach course along the inbound back course bearing
Explain how to arm/engage the Integrated Approach Navigation (IAN) modes and their meaning
The IAN modes are armed/engaged by selecting the APP button on the AFDS mode control panel (MCP). Once armed, the A/P F/D will capture and track the LOC/final approach course and G/S or glide path.
- ILS: VOR/LOC and G/S will be the displayed roll and pitch modes
- ILS approach with G/S selected off or a LOC only approach: VOR/LOC and G/P will be the displayed roll and pitch modes
- FMC IAN approach: FAC and G/P will be the displayed roll and pitch modes
Describe the go-around roll mode - LNAV in lieu of Track hold
- When a missed approach exists in the flight plan and the FCCs are capable of entering go-around, LNAV arm will be annunciated on the FMA. Track hold will automatically transition to LNAV during missed approach.
- During autoland operations with FLARE arm or FLARE engage displayed, if TO/GA is pressed, LNAV will engage when the airplane is above 400 ft. Below that altitude the roll mode will be track hold
- During an approach without FLARE arm or FLARE engage displayed, if TO/GA is pressed, LNAV will engage when the airplane is above 50 ft. Below that altitude the roll mode will be track hold.
Explain the function of the SPEED switch on the MCP
Push (select, light illuminates):
- engages A/T in SPEED mode if compatible with engaged AFDS modes
- illuminates SPEED switch light
- maintains speed in MCP IAS/MACH display
Push (selected, light extinguishes):
- deselects speed mode and extinguishes switch light
- engages A/T in ARM mode
Explain the function of the speed intervention (SPD INTV) switch on the MCP
Push, only when VNAV engaged
- IAS/MACH display alternately shows selected IAS/MACH and blanks
- when IAS/MACH display is unbanked, the FMC speed intervention is active, FMC target speed is displayed, and IAS/.
MACH selector may be used to set desired speed
- when IAS/MACH display is blank, FMC computed target speed is active and displayed on the airspeed indicator
Explain the function of the VNAV switch on the MCP
Push
- VNAV switch light illuminates
- pitch modes annunciates VNAV SPD, VNAV PTH
- A/T mode annunciates FMC SPD, N1, RETARD, or ARM (white)
- IAS/MACH display blanks and airspeed cursors positioned to FMC commanded airspeed
Explain the function of the Level Change (LVL CHG) switch on the MCP
Push
- LVL CHG switch light illuminates
- pitch mode annunciates MCP SPD for climb or descent
- A/T mode annunciates N1 for climb or RETARD followed by ARM (white) for descent
- IAS/MACH display and airspeed cursors display target speed
Explain the function of the Altitude Hold (ALT HLD) switch on the MCP
Push
- engages ALT HOLD command mode
- commands pitch to hold uncorrected barometric altitude at which switch was pressed
- annunciates ALT HOLD pitch mode and illuminates ALT HLD switch light
Explain the function of the vertical speed (V/S) switch on the MCP
Push
- arms or engages V/S command mode
- commands pitch to hold vertical speed
- engages A/T in speed mode to hold selected airspeed
- annunciates V/S pitch mode and illuminates V/S switch light
Explain the function of the altitude intervention switch on the MCP
Allows manual deletion of next FMC altitude constraints via altitude SEL and ALT INTV switch.
Push during VNAV climb:
- lowest FMC altitude constraints below selected MCP altitude is deleted
- if airplane is currently at an FMC altitude constraint, deletion allows airplane to resume climb. MCP altitude must be set above current altitude
- for each press of switch, one deletion occurs
- if MCP altitude is set above current FMC altitude, FMC cruise altitude resets to MCP altitude. FMC cruise altitude cannot be decreased using ALT INTV switch
Push during VNAV cruise:
- if MCP altitude is set above current FMC cruise altitude, FMC resets cruise altitude to MCP altitude and initiates a cruise climb
- if MCP altitude is set below current FMC cruise altitude, an early descent is initiated. Lower FMC cruise altitude cannot
be entered using ALT INTV switch
Push during VNAV descent:
- the highest FMC altitude constraint above MCP altitude is deleted
- if airplane is currently at an FMC altitude constraint, deletion allows airplane to continue descent. MCP altitude must be
set below current altitude
- if all FMC altitude constraints are deleted during VNAV path descent, an automatic transition to a VNAV speed descent
is made
Explain the function of the LNAV switch on the MCP
Push
- commands AFDS roll to intercept and track the active FMC route
- annunciates LNAV as roll mode and illuminates LNAV switch light
Explain the function of the VOR LOC switch on the MCP
Push
- commands AFDS roll to capture and track selected VOR or LOC course
- annunciates VOR/LOC armed or engaged as roll mode
- illuminates VOR LOC switch light
Explain the function of the HDG SEL switch on the MCP
Push
- engages HDG SEL command mode
- commands roll o follow selected heading
- annunciates HDG SEL as FMA roll mode
- illuminates HDG SEL switch light
Explain the function of the CMD ENGAGE switch (A or B) on the MCP
Push
- engages A/P
- enables all command modes
- displays CMD in A/P status display on PFD
- pushing an engage switch for second A/P, while not in approach mode, engages selected A/P and disengages first A/P
Explain the function of the CWS ENGAGE switch (A or B) on the MCP
Push
- engages A/P
- engages pitch and roll modes in CWS. Other pitch and roll modes not enabled
- displays CWS P or CWS R in A/P status display on PFD
- A/P pitch and roll controlled by pilot with control wheel pressure
Explain the function of the altitude selector on the MCP
Rotate
- sets altitude in ALTITUDE display in 100 ft increments
- arms V/S (white) mode if rotated while in ALT HOLD
Explain the meaning of the Speed Condition Symbols on the MCP
Overspeed and underspeed limiting symbol appears when commanded speed cannot be reached
Underspeed limiting (flashing “A”)
- minimum speed
Overspeed limiting (flashing “8”)
- Vmo or Mmo limit
- Landing gear limit
- Flap limit
Explain the function of the changeover switch on the MCP
Push
- changes IAS / MACH display between IAS and MACH
- automatic changeover occurs at approximately FL260
Explain the function of the N1 switch on the MCP
Push (illuminates light)
- engages A/T in N1 mode if compatible with AFDS modes already engaged
- illuminates N1 switch light
Push (extinguishes light)
- deselects N1 mode and extinguishes switch light
- engages A/T in ARM mode
