Automatic Flight Flashcards
What does FGCS stand for?
Flight Guidance Control System
ASM 5-14
How many channels does the guidance panel on the glareshield use?
2 channels, each providing independent info to the FGCS
ASM 5-1
When will the FGCS automatically select held-bank (HDG mode only)? What is the bank angle?
FL250, 17 deg bank angle
TBD
What happens when the BANK button is pressed?
Bank is limited to 17 degrees used by the FGCS. A white arc is automatically displayed on the PFD when above 25,000’
ASM 5-2
Selecting the NAV button on the guidance panel enables what?
Enables lateral nav commands to intercept and track course guidance from the FMS or localizer. LOC or LNAV will be displayed on the Flight Mode Annunciator (FMA)
ASM 5-20
What is displayed on the FMA when the HDG button is pushed?
HDG
ASM 5-19
What happens when you push the HDG SEL knob on the guidance panel?
The heading select is synchronized to the current aircraft heading
ASM 5-2
Selecting the APP button does what?
Activates the approach mode to intercept the ILS
ASM 5-3
When do you get reserve thrust?
- Takeoff (aircraft stays in TO mode until 3,000’ if you don’t make any changes on the FMA)
- Go around
- Windshear
ASM 7-20
ASM 5-25
What does the autopilot approach status annunciator display when selecting the APP mode (3 possible displays)?
- APPR2 - CAT II ILS approach capable
- APPR1: CAT I ILS capable
- APP1 ONLY - CAT I ILS approach capable but CAT II requirements are not met
ASM 5-3
The autopilot approach status annunciator is displaying the APPR1 green and APPR2 in white. What does this mean?
APPR1 is engaged and APPR2 is armed. the system is CATII capable. APPR2 will turn green when engaged below 1500’
ASM 5-29
What is displayed using a magenta diamond on the PFD?
It represents the flight director
ASM 5-14
What does pushing the ALT SEL knob do?
Adds metric display above ALT preselect window on the PFD and is controlling
ASM 5-4
How would you select altitude hold?
Push ALT button
ASM 5-3
If you just turn the VS thumb wheel will the aircraft enter the vertical speed mode?
No, you must also push the VS button and select a different altitude
ASM 5-4
What happens when the vertical speed exceeds 4000fpm
The pointer parks at the end of the scale and the digital display shows the actual vertical speed
ASM 10-5
What is the incremental change of the vertical speed selector?
50ft/min below 1,000’ and 100ft/min above 1,000’
TBD
What is the GA mode first guidanance pitch?
8 degrees unless the IAS is greater than the speed target. In that case, it will guide V2 +20 (2 engines or V(AC) (1 engine)
ASM 5-24
What is FPA?
- Flight path angle is a pilot-selectable pitch attitude of climb or descent
- FGCS adjusts thrust and pitch to maintain path angle and airspeed
ASM 5-21
What does the FPA button and FPA SEL knob do?
Selects the flight path angle mode and manually selects the flight path angle
ASM 5-4
What is the max flight path angle?
9.9 degrees up or down
ASM 5-21
Where do you put the FPA indicator to maintain level flight at different airspeeds
On the horizon
TBD
How would you set a 3.0 degree FPA?
- Select a different altitude in the altitude window
- Press the FPA button
- Scroll the FPA SEL until you see 3.0 deg displayed on the PFD
TBD
If the autopilot is not engaged and you want to remove the FD command from your PFD what would yo do?
Push the FD button on the guidance panel
ASM 5-5
What position should the SPEED knob be in?
FMS or MAN
ASM 5-6
What does the FMS position of the SPEED selector knob do?
The desired speed is controlled by the FMS, displayed in Magenta on the PFD
ASM 5-6
What does the MAN position do on the SPEED knob?
There desired speed is controlled manually and displayed in cyan
ASM 5-6
What does the TOGA button do?
- On ground: Activates takeoff guidance crossbars
- In flight: activates go-around guidance
ASM 5-9, 22, 24
What do the takeoff guidance crossbars do?
- Maintain extended runway centerline; TRACK mode
- Maintain pitch guidance according to slat/flap settings; TO MODE
ASM 5-20,
What 3 things will deactivate the flight director command bars for the takeoff mode?
- Another vertical mode is selected
- Autopilot is activated
- TCS button is pressed
ASM 5-22
When will the FD automatically display?
- TOGA button is pressed, or;
- Manual selection of any vertical or lateral mode, or;
- Autopilot is activated, or;
- Windshear detection
ASM 5-14
What is the function of the TCS button?
- Allows manual override of the autopilot
- Needs to be held down in order to override the primary serves
- When released, airplane maintains new attitude but will return to previous lateral mode
- Syncs the FD guidance cue to the FPV
ASM 5-7
While on glideslope in the APP mode would pressing and releasing the TCS button disconnect the autopilot?
No, after releasing the button the autopilot returns the aircraft toward the ILS center beam
ASM 5-7
Will the flight director be displayed when pressing the TCS button?
No, but it comes back when the TCS button is released
ASM 5-14
When do both flight directors become active regardless of the last FD status selected?
Upon ground power up
ASM 5-14
Can you engage the autopilot on the ground?
No it is inhibited
ASM 5-15
When does the autopilot automatically disengage?
- When the manual pitch trim switches are activated
- When the control column stick shakers are activated
- Either the elevator or aileron control system is disconnected
ASM 5-15
What will disengage the autopilot?
- AP button on GP is pushed
- Any manual pitch trim is activated
- Either AP/TRIM DISC button is pushed (normal method)
- Stick shaker activated
- Flight controls in direct mode
- Aileron or elector controls disconnected
- Overpowering the yoke
- Internal system failures
- If the preview mode is selected on the same source (Both on NAV 1) while on FMS NAV when the sources switch to yellow needles
ASM 5-16
The autopilot has 2 channel. Can you manually select which channel is used?
- Yes, through the SETUP MCDU page
In case of an abnormal autopilot disengagement what happens?
“AP” flashes red in the FMA with an EICAS message displayed
As it pertains the autopilot, what is the difference between a RED and GREEN annunciation?
Red is for disengagement while green indicates it is engaged
ASM 5-18
Will the autopilot disengage with excessive control wheel forces?
Yes
ASM 5-16
What is the min altitude to activate the autopilot in flight?
400’ on takeoff
After the autopilot disconnects in any way, how do you silence the “AUTOPILOT AUTOPILOT” aural warning?
By pressing the AP/TRIM disconnect button
Will the autopilot remain engaged in the event of an engine failure?
Yes
How long will the RED flashing “AP” indication flash?
At least for 5 seconds but can be cancelled by pressing either AP disconnect button
Where is the Flight mode Annunciation (FMA) displayed?
On top of the PFD
What does the FMA display?
- Autothrottle
- Autopilot
- Active AFCS channel
- Lateral modes
- Vertical modes
Describe the color code for normal FMA operation
- Magenta: FMS commanded mode
- Green: non FMS commanded mode
- White: Armed
- Amber: Alert condition
- Red: Abnormal condition
When is the ROLL HOLD mode activated?
It’s the default mode whenever the active mode is deactivated. It is also the lateral mode activated during takeoff after pressing TO/GA and below 100 KIAS
What does the autopilot do in ROLL HOLD mode?
- If bank is 6 degrees or less: it levels the wings
- >6 35 degrees: maintains 35 degrees
How would you adjust the bank from 10 to 20 degrees when using the ROLL HOLD mode?
Use the TCS button to make the adjustment (if bank is between 6 and 35 degrees)
Can the yaw damp be deactivated if the autopilot is on?
Yes, it is independent of the autopilot
Does the yaw damper operation require autopilot?
No, it is independent of the AP and FD but it can be disengaged with the YD button on the GP
When will the auto throttles engage on the ground? In flight?
- On ground: AT TO (GP) is armed (white) and TLA > 50 degrees
- In flight: AT (GP) is armed and airplane >400ft AGL (An 8 degree split in the thrust levers will not allow the AT to engage if both engines are running)
What is the sequence of events you should see on the FMA during T/O?
TLA 50 degrees green TO the HOLD at IAS >60kts
Will the auto throttles compensate for gusty wind conditions?
Yes, up to 5 kts
What will disengage the auto throttles?
- AT (TL or GP) is pushed
- TLA diff > 8 deg
- TLA at idle with WOW or wheels spinning
- Internal system failures
Will the auto throttles work while single engine?
Yes, the AT deactivates the respective thrust lever when the FADEC detects an engine failure or shutdown
The color code green on the FMA indicates what?
Non-FMS, commanded active/engaged mode
What does it mean when the flight mode annunciator displays the mode in white for lateral or vertical mode?
The mode is armed. Will turn green when manually commanded (both lateral and vertical) or magenta when FMS commanded
Will the HDG select button cause the FD command a turn in the shorter direction when selecting a heading greater than 180 degrees?
No. The FD follows the heading selected and respects the side to which the turn was commanded.
When flying a LOC BC which course do you set in?
Front course
What is the source of navigation when the LNAV button is selected?
The FMS
If the FMS shows APPR2 (CAT2) what would be changed to correct this back to APPR1?
Ensure the RA/BARO selector is in BARO mode. RA mode puts the aircraft in a CAT2 mode
If you are using the FMS NAV mode to the FAF for an auto sequence and both preview modes are selected to LOC 1, what color will the preview be before and after coupling to the ILS?
Cyan before and yellow after coupling
If you are using the FMS NAV mode to the FAF for an auto sequence and both preview modes are selected to LOC 1, what will happen to the autopilot?
Nothing
What happened if both CDI’s are showing yellow needles?
Both sources are selected the same. (FMS or NAVAID 1 or 2) is selected the same on both sides
What does the FMS display?
The modes of the autopilot and autothrottle
How long will the items flash on the FMA with a change of selection?
5 seconds
When in ROLL mode will the TCS adjust bank?
Yes
If the AP is OFF and you are handing flying in FPA mode and the TCS is pressed, what happens?
Wherever the current position of the VS or FPA is at on the PFD the requested VS or FPA will be changed to the current VS or FPA
What button is selected on the guidance panel when arming the ILS approach?
The APP button. It is used for both LOC and ILS approaches (Not VOR) and makes the selection automatically depending on whether it’s receiving a GPS signal or not
How would you set up the guidance panel when flying a back course approach?
Just select the APP button. The FD automatically manages the LOC and back course based upon localizer frequency PFD info and aircraft position
Track Hold is a non-selectable lateral mode associated with which modes?
TO and GA modes
When is the TRACK HOLD mode engaged?
Whenever GA or TO is selected by the TOGA and IAS is above 100 kts or when bank angle is 3 degrees or less of more than 10 secs
What FGCS vertical mode commands only the flight director?
TO mode. It commands the FD to display crossbars representing pitch attitude
Can the FD command bars and the FPA be visible simultaneously on the ground, while in TO mode?
No. FPA is never visible during takeoff. The FD command bars will be visible on the ground by pushing the TOGA buttons
If there is no active mode on the FD during takeoff (raw data) when can the FPA indication be displayed?
30 seconds after liftoff
What will be commanded if no V2 speed was entered?
A fixed pitch according to flap position:
1 - 11 deg
2 - 10 deg
4 - 12 deg
What is the All Engine Operating Speed target when airborne?
V2 + 10
What is the Engine Out Speed target when airborne assuming the V3 speed was inserted in the MCDU PERF DATA page?
Engine failure at:
- = V2 +10: guides current airspeed
- > V2 +10: guides V2 +10
What will be the commanded pitch if no V2 speed was inserted?
Fixed pitch according to flap use
What is the min and mac pitch in the TO or GA modes?
8 deg min and 18 deg max
What deactivates the FD command bars?
- The selection of another vertical mode
- The use of touch control steering (TCS)
- Autopilot activation
In either of these modes, what is the min and max speed targets with all engine operating? Single engine?
- Max: Vfe -5
- Min: Vshaker + 10
- Single Engine: Vshaker + 3
The pitch limits for both the takeoff and go-around modes are?
18 degrees max
For large flight level changes (FLCH mode) the auto throttles do what?
Command climbs using CLB rating and descents in IDLE rating
What is SPDe? What mode uses SPDe?
- Speed on elevator, thrust is fixed and pitch is adjusted to maintain airspeed (VS changes)
- FLCH uses SPDe by default
What is SPDt? What mode uses it?
- Speed on thrust, thrust is adjusted to maintain selected speed
- FPA, VS, GS, ALT, ASEL
What is the only vertical mode that allows and altitude change without first selecting a different altitude in the ALT SEL window?
GS mode
When does the speed indication switch from IAS to MACH?
FL290
What are the six AT modes?
SPDe, SPDt, TO, GA, HOLD
If the thrust levers are not in the TOGA position on takeoff what EICAS message will you receive?
ENG TLA NOT TOGA (Amber)
Normally the engine thrust rating changes from T/O to CLB at 400’ on takeoff as long as the vertical mode has been activated and the gear is up. What happens if no change in vertical mode is detected?
Then it switches at 3000’
What does the LIM annunciation mean?
The vertical speed and target speed are not compatible with the thrust rating available (can’t do it)
How can you tell the auto throttles are armed?
On the FMA there will be a white TO in the bottom left corner
To activate the auto throttles (AT) on the ground, the AT must be operational, the TO mode must be armed and both thrust levers need to be above what?
50 deg TLA
To activate the AT in flight, the min altitude to select auto throttles via the AT pushbutton is?
400 AGL
How can you deactivate the auto throttles?
- Press either AT disconnect button on the thrust levers
- Press the AT button on the GP
- TLA diff greater than 8 degrees
If the flight crew overrides (OVRD) the auto throttles, will the auto throttles disengage?
No, unless the crew moves the thrust levers beyond TOGA
What 2 override conditions will cause the auto throttles to disengage?
Move thrust levers beyond TOGA or during an abort when the TLA is reduced below 40 deg in the TO HOLD mode
Does the respective thrust lever remain active with the AT during single engine operation?
No, it is deactivated but the operating engine autothrottle remains active
The autothrottle TLA trim does what?
- Small thrust adjustments
- Syncs engines’ N1
- Works even when auto throttles are off
- Reduces excessive thrust movements
On landing, when do the auto throttles retard and when do the disengage?
They retard at 30 ft in landing config. They disengage at WOW or wheel spin up
The thrust rating selection (TRS) function key allows what?
Manual selection of the thrust ratings (TO, GA, CLB, CRZ, CON) appropriate to each flight phase
The thrust rating selection (TRS) system in AUTO will latch the engine rating selection to TO (on the ground) and will remain latched until?
400ft
The takeoff thrust hold control mode, when TO mode is active, and speed greater than 60 kts, will not allow automatic thrust lever movement until:
400ft
When does the takeoff thrust hold mode (HOLD) activate?
On TO when airspeed is greater than 60 kts up to 400ft AGL
Will you get an indication if the HOLD mode is activated before the TOGA thrust lever angle is reached?
Yes, there will be an EICAS message
What does LIM and OVRD mean on the FMA?
LIM: The selected vertical mode requires more or less thrust than is available
OVRD: The TL are being manually moved, overriding the AT (no AP disengagement)
What will happen if the crew initiates a descent without first selecting a lower altitude with the altitude selector knob?
- The aircraft will not descend until a lower altitude is selected
- The altitude ALT annunciation on the FMA will flash for 5 secs together with the altitude digital value on the PFD, “inviting” the pilot to select a lower altitude
If there is no vertical mode change once airborne, the TRS system will automatically change from TO to ___ at 3,000’ pressure altitude AFE?
CLB
When does ATTCS change modes after takeoff?
AOE: TO to CLB at 3000’
OEO: TO to CON at 3000’
When does the rating change to the CRZ setting?
When within +-100ft of selected altitude for more than 90 secs
At 1500’ RA the ILS approach system does what?
Starts trying to engage the highest capability available
At 800ft RA the ILS approach system does what?
“Freezes” highest capability available, not allowing approach “upgrades” any more
On an ILS at what altitude will the RA mode on the TCAS stop giving RA’s?
800’ AGL
For an Autopilot/flight director approaches, if the crew selects BARP with the RA/BARO select knobs, the system will interpret this as the crew intending shooting a ___ ?
CAT I approach
If the crew desires to perform a CAT II approach, how will the Autopilot/flight director system recognize this?
RA/BARO selector to RA, and mins set to 80’ or above
What does the SRC button do?
- It alternates the captain or first officer AFCS side as the data source. Remember there are 2 channels
- Displayed as a green arrow
What does the green arrow on the FMA indicate?
The green arrow indicates the selected AFCS source
Windshear protection is disabled above ___ .
1500’ AGL
The basic vertical mode, except for takeoff, is ___ .
Flight Path Angle (FPA)
What does the red AP/TRIM DISC button on the yoke do?
- Disconnects the AP
- Stops all trim actuation if button is pushed and held
What does the PREV button do?
It enables an automatic transition from LNAV to LOC or BC
How many GPS units are onboard?
170: 1 GPS
175: 2 GPS
Minimum accuracy of .3 RNP
The FMS system may be installed in what configuration?
Single or dual
What does the FMS default to?
Single FMS mode if dual FMS mode can’t be achieved
In a “dual FMS” configuration, which FMS function remains separate for each FMS?
POS INIT
What does the FMS use for navigation?
GPS, DME/DME, VOR/DME, IRS
FMS position source priority is:
GPS, DME/DME, IRS, dead reckoning
What provides altitude and calibrated airspeed info to the PFD?
IRS
How long does a stationary alignment of the IRU take?
5 to 17 mins
Can the IRU be aligned in flight?
Yes, takes 15-30 mins
Where are predicted enroute individual WYPT winds entered for performance planning?
ACTIVE FLIGHT PLAN
How can the DEPARTURE page be accessed?
- ACTIVE FLIGHT PLAN
- NAV INDEX
What are the FMS required items that need to be entered from the flight release to initialize performance?
ZFW
Where are takeoff bugs entered?
TAKEOFF 3/3
Will the MFD automatically revert to the PFD display in the event of PFD display failure?
Yes
Will the PFD automatically revert to the EICAS in the event of a malfunction?
No
If both MFD and the EICAS DU fail, are engine instruments available?
No
Where is a route offset entered?
PROGRESS
Where are NAV 1 and 2 tuned?
PROGRESS or RADIO page
On the ORIGINATING/RECEIVING Checklist MCDU is SET. What are you setting/checking?
Verifying the NAV DB currency. Initialize the FMS position on both FMS. Check all the electronics CBs are in or MEL’d.
On the ORIGINATING/RECEIVING checklist when you set the display controller unit what are you setting?
Set the current airport altimeter
