Automatic Flight Flashcards

1
Q

Explain the meaning of a Master (MA) F/D indicator light.

  • with neither A/P engaged in CMD
  • with one or both A/Ps engaged in CMD
A

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.

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2
Q

Explain which roll modes are affected by the bank angle selector.

A
  • HDG SEL.
  • VOR.
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3
Q

Describe the manual methods for Autothrottle engagement and disengagement. Hint: 7 modes of engagement

A

Autothrottle 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

Autothrottle Disengagement:
Any of the following actions will manually disengage the A/T:

  • Moving the A/T Arm switch to OFF.
  • Pushing either A/T Disengage switch.

Note: A/T disengagement is followed by A/T Arm switch releasing to OFF and flashing red A/T Disengage lights on the forward panel. The A/T Disengage lights do not illuminate when the A/T automatically disengages after landing touchdown.

Note: A/T may automatically disengage when:

  • two seconds have elapsed since landing touchdown.
  • Thrust levers become separated more than 10 degrees, except during takeoff.
  • Significant thrust difference along with control wheel roll input of 10 degrees or more throughout the entire flight envelope.
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4
Q

Explain what the color green represents in the FMA.

A

Engaged or Captured mode.

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5
Q

Explain what a green box represents in the FMA.

A

A mode change highlight symbol (rectangle) is drawn around each pitch, roll, CWS, A/P status, and thrust engaged mode annunciation for a period of 10 seconds after each engagement

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6
Q

Explain what the color white represents in the FMA.

A

Armed modes are shown in smaller white letters at the bottom of the flight mode annunciation boxes.

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7
Q

Explain the different meanings of the AFDS Autopilot Status Annunciations:

CMD

FD

CWS P

CWS R

SINGLE CH (amber)

SINGLE CH (green)

AUTOPILOT (Flashing Amber)

A

The following AFDS status annunciations are displayed in the A/P status display located above the attitude indicator:

CMD – one or both autopilots are engaged.

FD – the flight director is ON and the autopilot is either OFF or engaged in CWS.

CWS P – pitch mode engaged in CWS.

CWS R – roll mode engaged in CWS.

SINGLE CH (Amber) – For single A/P ILS approach, annunciates after localizer capture and remains on for the entire approach. For dual A/P ILS approach, annunciates after localizer capture and extinguishes after pitch monitor confidence test is successfully completed. (Then goes to CMD)

SINGLE CH (Green) – For an IAN approach, annunciates after FAC capture and remains on until AP disengaged or 100 feet RA.

AUTOPILOT (Flashing Amber) – Autopilot remains engaged below 100 feet RA for an IAN approach.

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8
Q

Explain what conditions must be met before a second autopilot can be engaged.

A
  • Both VHF NAV receivers tuned to the ILS frequency.
  • Approach Mode (APP) selected.
  • Second A/P engaged in CMD prior to 800 feet RA.
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9
Q

Explain the function of the A/P DISENGAGE bar.

A

Pull down:

  • Exposes yellow background.
  • Disengages both A/Ps.
  • Prevents A/P engagement.

Lift up:

  • Conceals yellow background.
  • Enables A/P engagement.
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10
Q

Explain the meaning of an illuminated Amber Autopilot (A/P) Disengage Light on the forward panel.

A

Illuminated (amber) – flashing: A/P reverted to CWS pitch or roll while in CMD.

Reset by pushing either light or selecting another mode.

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11
Q

Explain the meaning of an illuminated Red Autopilot (A/P) Disengage Light on the forward panel.

Flashing and Tone

Steady

A

Illuminated (red) –flashing - flashes and tone sounds when autopilot has disengaged.

Illuminated (red) –steady

  • stabilizer out of trim below 800 feet 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 either light or either A/P disengage switch
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12
Q

Explain the indications of a disengaged Autothrottle.

A
  • flashing red A/T P/RST light on the Forward panel.
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13
Q

Explain the meaning of the amber STAB OUT OF TRIM light on the left forward panel.

A

-Autopilot not trimming stabilizer properly.

Note: Operates only with A/P engaged.

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14
Q

Explain what will happen when TO/GA is selected below 2000 feet RA.

No Autopilot or Single AP

Both AP Engaged (with Flair armed on FMA)

A
  • No A/P or single A/P engaged: Disconnects autopilot ( 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.

My note: Flare armed with LOC/GS active below 1500 FT

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15
Q

Know the difference in commanded thrust when selecting TO/GA once versus twice during a go-around.

A
  • First push: A/T provides reduced go-around N1 to produce 1000 to 2000 fpm rate of climb.
  • Second push: A/T advances to the full go around the N1 limit.
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16
Q

Specify the AFDS Flight Mode Annunciations and their location.

A

The flight mode annunciations are displayed just above the attitude indicator on the PFD. The mode annunciations, from left to right, are: - autothrottle, - roll, - pitch.

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17
Q

Explain the meaning of the AFDS FMA Autothrottle Modes.

N1

GA

Retard

FMC SPD

MCP SPD

THR HLD

ARM

A

N1 – the autothrottle maintains thrust at the selected N1 limit displayed on the thrust mode display, including full go-around N1 limit.

GA – the autothrottle maintains thrust at reduced go–around setting.

RETARD – displayed while autothrottle moves thrust levers to the aft stop.

FMC SPD – the autothrottle maintains speed commanded by the FMC.

MCP SPD – the autothrottle maintains speed set in the MCP IAS/MACH display.

THR HLD – the thrust lever autothrottle servos are inhibited; the pilot can set the thrust levers manually.

ARM – no autothrottle mode engaged. The thrust lever autothrottle servos are inhibited; the pilot can set thrust levers manually. Minimum speed protection is provided.

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18
Q

Explain the meaning of the AFDS FMA Pitch Modes.

TO/GA Takeoff

TO/GA GO Around

VNAV SPD

VNAV PTH

V/S (armed or engaged)

ALT ACQ

ALT HOLD

MCP SPD

Flare Armed

Flare engaged

G/S (armed or engaged) Flare (armed or engaged)

GP (armed or engaged)

A

TO/GA – (Takeoff) Engaged for takeoff by turning both F/D switches ON and pushing either TO/GA switch. ( my note: on takeoff @ 40% N1 and stabilized select TOGA)

TO/GA – (Go–around) Engaged for go–around by pushing the TO/GA switch under the following conditions: - in flight below 2000 feet radio altitude, or - in flight above 2000 feet radio altitude 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 (engaged) – commands pitch to hold selected vertical speed. V/S (armed) – V/S mode can be engaged by moving Vertical Speed Thumbwheel.

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 annunciate 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 (armed) – the AFDS is armed for G/S capture. G/S (engaged) – the AFDS follows the ILS glideslope.

FLARE (armed) – during a dual A/P ILS approach, FLARE is displayed after LOC and G/S capture and below 1500 feet RA. The second A/P couples with the flight controls and A/P go–around mode arms.

FLARE (engaged) – during a dual A/P ILS approach, flare engages at 50 feet radio altitude. FLARE accomplishes the autoland flare maneuver.

G/P (armed) – the AFDS is armed for G/P capture.

G/P (engaged) – the AFDS follows the IAN glide path.

19
Q

Explain the meaning of the AFDS FMA Roll Modes.

LNAV (armed or engaged)

HDG SEL

VOR/LOC (armed or engaged)

FAC (armed or engaged)

B/CRS (armed or engaged)

A

LNAV – the AFDS intercepts and tracks the active FMC route. LNAV (armed) – the AFDS is armed (prior to takeoff) to engage LNAV at 50 feet RA.

HDG SEL – the airplane is turning to or is on the heading selected in the MCP Heading Display.

VOR/LOC (armed) – AFDS is armed to capture selected VOR or LOC COURSE. VOR/LOC (engaged) – AFDS tracks selected VOR course or tracks selected localizer course along the inbound front course bearing.

FAC (armed) – the AFDS is armed to capture the IAN final approach course. FAC (engaged) – the AFDS tracks the IAN final approach course along the inbound course bearing.

B/CRS (armed) – the AFDS is armed to capture the localizer final approach back course. B/CRS (engaged) – the AFDS tracks the localizer final approach course along the inbound back course bearing.

20
Q

Explain how to arm/engage the Integrated Approach Navigation (IAN) modes and their meaning. - ILS approach - FMC IAN approach - ILS approach with G/S selected off - Backcourse Localizer approach

A

The Integrated Approach Navigation (IAN) modes are armed/engaged by selecting the APP button on the AFDS Mode Control Panel (MCP). Once armed, the autopilot/flight director will capture and track the localizer/final approach course and glide/slope or glide path. The following roll and pitch mode control annunciations of the FMA will be displayed for each type of approach:

  • ILS approach – VOR/LOC and G/S will be the displayed roll and pitch modes.
  • FMC IAN approach – FAC and G/P will be the displayed roll and pitch modes.
  • ILS approach with G/S selected off or a localizer only approach -VOR/LOC and G/P will be the displayed roll and pitch modes.
  • Backcourse Localizer approach – BCRS and G/P will be the displayed roll and pitch modes.
21
Q

Describe the Go-Around Roll Mode – LNAV in Lieu of Track hold. - During autoland operations with FLARE arm or FLARE engage displayed - During an approach without FLARE arm or FLARE engage displayed

A
  • 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 a 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 feet. 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 feet. Below that altitude the roll mode will be track hold.
22
Q

Explain the function of the SPEED Switch on the MCP.

Push – (light not illuminated)

Push – (light illuminated)

A

Push – (light not illuminated)

  • engages A/T in SPEED mode if compatible with engaged AFDS modes.
  • illuminates SPEED switch light.
  • maintains speed in MCP IAS/MACH display.

Push – (light illuminated)

  • deselects speed mode and extinguishes switch light.
  • engages A/T in ARM mode.
23
Q

Explain the function of the Speed Intervention (SPD INTV) Switch on the MCP.

A

Push (only when VNAV engaged)

  • IAS/MACH display alternately shows selected IAS/Mach and blanks.
  • when IAS/MACH display is unblanked, 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.
24
Q

Explain the function of the VNAV Switch on the MCP. Pitch mode A/t Mode IAS/MACH Display

A

Push – -VNAV switch light illuminates.

  • pitch mode annunciates VNAV SPD, VNAV PTH.
  • A/T mode annunciates FMC SPD, N1, RETARD, or ARM.
  • IAS/MACH display blanks and airspeed cursors positioned to FMC commanded airspeed.
25
Q

Explain the function of the Level Change (LVL CHG) Switch on the MCP. Pitch mode A/t Mode IAS/MACH Display

A

Push –

  • LVL CHG switch light illuminates.
  • pitch mode annunciates MCP SPD for climb or descent.
  • autothrottle mode annunciates N1 for climb or RETARD followed by ARM for descent.
  • IAS/MACH display and airspeed cursors display target speed.
26
Q

Explain the function of the Altitude Hold (ALT HLD) Switch on the MCP.

A

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.
27
Q

Explain the function of the Vertical Speed (V/S) Switch on the MCP.

A

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.

28
Q

Explain the function of the Altitude Intervention (ALT INTV) Switch on the MCP.

During VNAV CLIMB

During VNAV CRUISE

During VNAV DESCENT

A

Allows manual deletion of next FMC altitude constraint via altitude SEL and ALT INTV switch.

Push – (during VNAV climb)

  • lowest FMC altitude constraint 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.
29
Q

Explain the function of the LNAV Switch on the MCP.

A

Push – -commands AFDS roll to intercept and track the active FMC route. -annunciates LNAV as roll mode and illuminates LNAV switch light.

30
Q

Explain the function of the VOR Localizer (LOC) Switch on the MCP.

A

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.
31
Q

Explain the function of the Heading Select (HDG SEL) Switch on the MCP.

A

Push –

  • engages HDG SEL command mode.
  • commands roll to follow selected heading. -annunciates HDG SEL as FMA roll mode.
  • illuminates HDG SEL switch light.
32
Q

Explain the function of the Command Engage (CMD ENGAGE) Switch (A or B) on the MCP.

A

Push –

  • engages A/P. -enables all command modes.
  • displays CMD in A/P status display.
  • pushing an engage switch for second A/P, while not in approach mode, engages selected A/P and disengages first A/P.
33
Q

Explain the function of the Control Wheel Steering Engage (CWS ENGAGE) Switch (A or B) on the MCP.

A

Push –

  • engages A/P. -engages pitch and roll modes in CWS. Other pitch and roll modes not enabled.
  • displays CWS P and CWS R in A/P status display.
34
Q

Explain the function of the Altitude Selector (SEL) on the MCP.

A

Rotate – -sets altitude in ALTITUDE display in 100 foot increments. -arms V/S mode if rotated while in ALT HOLD.

35
Q

Explain the meaning of the Speed Condition Symbols on the MCP.

A

Overspeed or Underspeed Limiting Symbol appears when commanded speed cannot be reached.

  • Underspeed Limiting (flashing character “A”)
  • minimum speed.
  • Overspeed Limiting (flashing character “8”)
  • Vmo or Mmo limit.
  • landing gear limit.
  • flap limit.
36
Q

Explain the function of the Changeover (C/O) Switch on the MCP.

A

Push –

  • changes IAS/MACH display between IAS and MACH.
  • automatic changeover occurs at approximately FL260.
37
Q

Explain the function of the N1 Switch on the MCP. Push – (light not illuminated) Push – (light illuminated)

A

Push – (light not illuminated)

  • engages A/T in N1 mode if compatible with AFDS modes already engaged.
  • illuminates N1 switch light.

Push – (light illuminated)

  • deselects N1 mode and extinguishes switch light.
  • engages autothrottles in ARM mode.
38
Q

Explain the meaning of a green light illuminated in any MCP Mode Selector Switch.

A

The switch illuminates to indicate mode selection and that the mode can be deselected by pushing the switch again.

39
Q

Explain the different meanings of the SINGLE CH (Amber) AFDS Autopilot Status Annunciations

For single A/P ILS approach,

For dual A/P ILS approach,

(extra card)

A

SINGLE CH (Amber) – For single A/P ILS approach, annunciates after localizer capture and remains on for the entire approach.

SINGLE CH (Amber)–For dual A/P ILS approach, annunciates after localizer capture and extinguishes after pitch monitor confidence test is successfully completed. (Then goes to CMD)

40
Q

Explain the function of the Altitude Intervention (ALT INTV) Switch on the MCP during VNAV Climb.

Extra Card

A

Push – (during VNAV climb)

  • lowest FMC altitude constraint 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.
41
Q

Explain the function of the Altitude Intervention (ALT INTV) Switch on the MCP during VNAV cruise.

Extra Card

A

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.
42
Q

Explain the function of the Altitude Intervention (ALT INTV) Switch on the MCP during VNAV descent. Extra card

A

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.
43
Q
A