Automatic Flight Flashcards
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
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 Autothrottle engagement and disengagement. Hint: 7 modes of engagement
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.
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 mode 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 meanings of the AFDS Autopilot Status Annunciations:
CMD
FD
CWS P
CWS R
SINGLE CH (amber)
SINGLE CH (green)
AUTOPILOT (Flashing Amber)
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.
Explain what conditions must be met before a second autopilot can be engaged.
- Both VHF NAV receivers tuned to the ILS frequency.
- Approach Mode (APP) selected.
- Second A/P engaged in CMD prior to 800 feet 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 Autopilot (A/P) Disengage Light on the forward panel.
Illuminated (amber) – flashing: A/P reverted to CWS pitch or roll while in CMD.
Reset by pushing either light or selecting another mode.
Explain the meaning of an illuminated Red Autopilot (A/P) Disengage Light on the forward panel.
Flashing and Tone
Steady
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
Explain the indications of a disengaged Autothrottle.
- flashing red A/T P/RST light on the Forward panel.
Explain the meaning of the amber STAB OUT OF TRIM light on the left forward panel.
-Autopilot not trimming stabilizer properly.
Note: Operates only with A/P engaged.
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)
- 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
Know the 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 fpm rate of climb.
- Second push: A/T advances to the full go around the N1 limit.
Specify the AFDS Flight Mode Annunciations and their location.
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.
Explain the meaning of the AFDS FMA Autothrottle Modes.
N1
GA
Retard
FMC SPD
MCP SPD
THR HLD
ARM
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.