Electronic Flight Instrument Systems Flashcards
The _______ (EFIS) was developed to reduce instrument panel confusion. Conventional gauges were replaced with display monitors called CRTs (cathode-ray tubes).
The Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) was developed to reduce instrument panel confusion. Conventional gauges were replaced with display monitors called CRTs (cathode-ray tubes).
The EFIS, normally used for flight operations, displays flight data. Most large aircraft use an EFIS with either an_______(EICAS), or an ______ (ECAM).
The EFIS, normally used for flight operations, displays flight data. Most large aircraft use an EFIS with either an Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System (EICAS), or an Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring System (ECAM).
The EFIS can be divided into three sections: ____’s display, _____’s display, and ______ display.
The EFIS can be divided into three sections: pilot’s display, copilot’s display, and multifunction display.
The EFIS incorporates five CRT displays. There are ____ primary displays and _____ multifunction display.
The EFIS incorporates five CRT displays. There are four primary displays and one multifunction display.
The four primary displays, called _____ (EFDs), support the ______ (EADI) and the ______ (EHSI). An EADI and an EHSI are placed either vertically or horizontally in front of the pilot and copilot positions.
The four primary displays, called Electronic Flight Displays (EFDs), support the Electronic Attitude Director Indicator (EADI) and the Electronic Heading Situation Indicator (EHSI). An EADI and an EHSI are placed either vertically or horizontally in front of the pilot and copilot positions.
Two _____(DPU) collect data from the aircraft flight systems computers and convert the data into display information. The _____(DCP) allows pilot interface with the EFIS to select display information.
Two display processor units (DPU) collect data from the aircraft flight systems computers and convert the data into display information. The display control panel (DCP) allows pilot interface with the EFIS to select display information.
A _______ (MPU) stores checklist information and collects weather, navigation, and radar systems data. The information/data is sent from the MPU to the _______ (MFD).
A multifunction processor unit (MPU) stores checklist information and collects weather, navigation, and radar systems data. The information/data is sent from the MPU to the multifunction display (MFD).
The _______ is equipped with interface buttons for selecting the information to be displayed. The pilots will use the _______ interface throughout the flight to select checklists, diagnostic information, weather data, or radar maps.
The multifunction display (MFD) is equipped with interface buttons for selecting the information to be displayed. The pilots will use the multifunction display interface throughout the flight to select checklists, diagnostic information, weather data, or radar maps.
The ____ also acts as a backup to the pilot’s and copilot’s DPUs in the event of a DPU failure. If a DPU fails, the _____ will automatically provide essential information to the affected displays and alert the pilots that the DPU has failed.
The MPU also acts as a backup to the pilot’s and copilot’s DPUs in the event of a DPU failure. If a DPU fails, the MPU will automatically provide essential information to the affected displays and alert the pilots that the DPU has failed.
What type of information does the EFIS provide?
System Parameters
Engine Data
Flight Data
Flight Data
The Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring (ECAM) and Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System (EICAS) provide system parameters and engine data.
In the early days of commercial flight, the flight engineer was responsible for monitoring and controlling the aircraft systems. As aircraft technology developed, aircraft systems became too numerous and complex to monitor without adding additional aircrew.
Today’s transport-category aircraft reduce the cockpit workload by incorporating an_____ or _______ These systems replace the engineer by monitoring hundreds of systems and alerting the pilots if a system is malfunctioning.
Today’s transport-category aircraft reduce the cockpit workload by incorporating an Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System (EICAS) or Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring (ECAM) system. These systems replace the engineer by monitoring hundreds of systems and alerting the pilots if a system is malfunctioning.
Both the EICAS and ECAM systems essentially perform the same functions. ______ is found on Boeing and McDonnell Douglas aircraft, while _____is primarily an Airbus Industrie Aircraft system.
Both the EICAS and ECAM systems essentially perform the same functions. EICAS is found on Boeing and McDonnell Douglas aircraft, while ECAM is primarily an Airbus Industrie Aircraft system.
The EICAS and ECAM systems can be independent or integrated into the EFIS system. Both systems are defaulted to provide ________
The EICAS and ECAM systems can be independent or integrated into the EFIS system. Both systems are defaulted to provide engine parameters and system conditions.
For example, this _____ page is displaying the Engine Pressure Ratio (EPR), N1 fan speed (N1), and Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) for both engines in digital and analog format. It also shows the position of essential systems such as the parking brake, landing gear, and flaps.
For example, this EICAS page is displaying the Engine Pressure Ratio (EPR), N1 fan speed (N1), and Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) for both engines in digital and analog format. It also shows the position of essential systems such as the parking brake, landing gear, and flaps.
Using the EICAS page below, what is the condition of the aircraft as derived from the information presented on the MFD?
Aircraft is parked, engines
secured, full of fuel
Aircraft is parked with
the engines running
Aircraft is on approach,
engines idle, ready to land
Aircraft is parked with
the engines running
The EICAS shows that the engines are definitely running, although they may be at idle. Notice that the EPR, N1, and EGT digital readouts are not at zero.
The EICAS shows that the engines are idling, the gear is down, and the flaps are set at 30; however, if we landed with the parking brake on, we would certainly damage some tires.
In addition to the engine parameters, the_____can display other systems such as hydraulics, pneumatics, or electrical systems.
In addition to the engine parameters, the EICAS can display other systems such as hydraulics, pneumatics, or electrical systems.
The EICAS information is provided on two displays vertically positioned to one another between the pilot and copilot. The two EICAS displays typically replace the________.
The EICAS information is provided on two displays vertically positioned to one another between the pilot and copilot. The two EICAS displays typically replace the multifunction display.
The _____ display is located in the top position on the center instrument panel. The_____display is located below the main display. The ______ display can be on the center instrument panel or in the center console forward of the throttles.
The main EICAS display is located in the top position on the center instrument panel. The auxiliary EICAS display is located below the main display. The auxiliary display can be on the center instrument panel or in the center console forward of the throttles.
The _____ display is defaulted to provide the status of engine parameters and the position/condition of critical systems.
The main EICAS display is defaulted to provide the status of engine parameters and the position/condition of critical systems.
The ______ is used to show the configuration of pilot-selected systems and the condition of malfunctioning systems. It is also used as a backup display for the main EICAS display. When not in use during flight operations, the auxiliary display is blank
The auxiliary display is used to show the configuration of pilot-selected systems and the condition of malfunctioning systems. It is also used as a backup display for the main EICAS display. When not in use during flight operations, the auxiliary display is blank
Weather and radar data is now displayed on the pilot’s and copilot’s EHSI through their respective ______. Heading information can be superimposed over the weather and radar data.
Weather and radar data is now displayed on the pilot’s and copilot’s EHSI through their respective DPUs. Heading information can be superimposed over the weather and radar data.
Two _____computers receive data from the engine and system sensors, process the data, and provide it to the _____ displays. The computers also send caution and warning information to the Master Caution/Warning system.
Two EICAS computers receive data from the engine and system sensors, process the data, and provide it to the EICAS displays. The computers also send caution and warning information to the Master Caution/Warning system.
The ____ computers are typically redundant and continually cross-talk to verify the validity of incoming data. Each _____ computer is powered by a different power source and receives over 400 engine and system data inputs from various sensors throughout the aircraft.
The EICAS computers are typically redundant and continually cross-talk to verify the validity of incoming data. Each EICAS computer is powered by a different power source and receives over 400 engine and system data inputs from various sensors throughout the aircraft.
A maintenance panel, normally located in the _______, is provided for downloading information on the performance of the aircraft during flight. This aids the technician in troubleshooting faulty systems and scheduling the aircraft’s preventive maintenance.
A maintenance panel, normally located in the cargo bay, is provided for downloading information on the performance of the aircraft during flight. This aids the technician in troubleshooting faulty systems and scheduling the aircraft’s preventive maintenance.
The Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) displays flight information, while the Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System (EICAS) displays system parameters.
True
False
True
______system (ECAM) is the same as the Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting systems (EICAS). However, the ECAM uses four computers to collect system data.
Operation of the Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring system (ECAM) is the same as the Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting systems (EICAS). However, the ECAM uses four computers to collect system data.
Two _____(FWCs) collect system data and determine if a red warning condition exists.
At the same time, two_____ (SDAC) computers check the same data and determine if a yellow caution condition exists.
Two Flight Warning Computers (FWCs) collect system data and determine if a red warning condition exists.
At the same time, two System Data Acquisition Concentrator (SDAC) computers check the same data and determine if a yellow caution condition exists.
Both sets of computers (____ and _____) activate the Master Warning, audible alarm, and Master Caution lights on the annunciator panel.
Both sets of computers (SDAC and FWC) activate the Master Warning, audible alarm, and Master Caution lights on the annunciator panel.
Data from the FWCs and SDACs is sent to three _____ (DMCs). The #1 DMC provides display information to the pilot’s______ and the ____display. The #2 DMC provides display information to the copilot’s ___and the _____ display.
Data from the FWCs and SDACs is sent to three display management computers (DMCs). The #1 DMC provides display information to the pilot’s Electronic Instrument System (EIS) and the main ECAM display. The #2 DMC provides display information to the copilot’s EIS and the auxiliary ECAM display.
The ____ is a backup computer. If the #1 or #2 DMC fails, the _____ takes over the duties of the failed DMC and provides display information to the failed DMC’s displays.
The #3 DMC is a backup computer. If the #1 or #2 DMC fails, the #3 DMC takes over the duties of the failed DMC and provides display information to the failed DMC’s displays.
Like the Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System, the ECAM also uses two monitors, ___ and ____. ECAM monitors can be placed either side by side or stacked one over the other.
Like the Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System, the ECAM also uses two monitors, main and auxiliary. ECAM monitors can be placed either side by side or stacked one over the other.
The ECAM displays the same information as the Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System.
Similar to the EICAS, if the main ECAM display system fails, what happens?.
Similar to the EICAS, if the main ECAM display system fails, the auxiliary ECAM display will automatically provide the defaulted engine and critical system status.
Whether an EICAS-based system or an ECAM-based system, most electronic instrument systems transmit, receive, and compare data between system components via a _____. The ______ is a common communication link between aircraft computers and line replaceable units (LRUs).
Whether an EICAS-based system or an ECAM-based system, most electronic instrument systems transmit, receive, and compare data between system components via a data bus. The data bus is a common communication link between aircraft computers and line replaceable units (LRUs).
The _____ eliminates the need for miles of wires by allowing individual components to share information over common wires or fiber. The ______ is the wire (or fiber) between the LRUs and does not include the internal LRU wiring.
The data bus eliminates the need for miles of wires by allowing individual components to share information over common wires or fiber. The data bus is the wire (or fiber) between the LRUs and does not include the internal LRU wiring.
The data bus is managed by a ______. Different systems will use different types but essentially all have the same function. It coordinates data transmission on the bus, prioritizes data requests, directs data packets to the appropriate LRUs, and monitors the bus for LRU or data failures.
The data bus is managed by a data bus controller. Different systems will use different types of controllers but essentially all controllers have the same function. The controller coordinates data transmission on the bus, prioritizes data requests, directs data packets to the appropriate LRUs, and monitors the bus for LRU or data failures.
Most aircraft electronic instrument systems have multiple controllers and data buses. This redundancy ensures ___ and provides ______
Most aircraft electronic instrument systems have multiple controllers and data buses. This redundancy ensures EIS stability and provides backup in the event of controller or bus failures.
The EICAS example shows two data buses: A and B. The bus controller coordinates and manages all of the information on both buses. Notice that all flight, engine, and aircraft system sensors are connected by the data buses.
If the active bus controller fails, the _____ automatically takes control and manages the data on both data buses. Many data bus systems will incorporate two_____ to enhance safety.
If the active bus controller fails, the backup bus controller automatically takes control and manages the data on both data buses. Many data bus systems will incorporate two backup bus controllers to enhance safety.
______, or BITE, is a self-contained fault detection system that monitors aircraft flight, engine, and airframe systems. The systems range from simple line replaceable unit (LRU) trip indicators to a digital system that monitors all systems on the data bus and reports faults to the pilot and maintenance personnel.
Built-In Test Equipment, or BITE, is a self-contained fault detection system that monitors aircraft flight, engine, and airframe systems. BITE systems range from simple line replaceable unit (LRU) trip indicators to a digital system that monitors all systems on the data bus and reports faults to the pilot and maintenance personnel.
Advanced BITE systems provide________. Many BITE management systems initiate and monitor system operational tests.
Advanced BITE systems provide fault detection, fault isolation, and verification of system health following a repair. Many BITE management systems initiate and monitor system operational tests.
Early BITE systems consisted of a button or small window located on an individual LRU or monitoring panel that ______ when a malfunction was detected. The technician had to visually inspect each LRU and BITE panel to determine if the unit had detected any anomalies.
Early BITE systems consisted of a button or small window located on an individual LRU or monitoring panel that tripped (turned red) when a malfunction was detected. The technician had to visually inspect each LRU and BITE panel to determine if the unit had detected any anomalies.
BITE systems on today’s aircraft monitor thousands of parameters on hundreds of LRUs via the ______. They continually monitor, evaluate, and store aircraft system fault data as it is reported by the LRUs.
BITE systems on today’s aircraft monitor thousands of parameters on hundreds of LRUs via the data bus. They continually monitor, evaluate, and store aircraft system fault data as it is reported by the LRUs.
If a fault is detected by the BITE system, it is identified, isolated, and reported to the pilot. The fault information is also stored so technicians can observe and download the BITE data following the flight. The data is typically retrieved from a centralized location on the aircraft.
If a fault is detected by the BITE system, it is identified, isolated, and reported to the pilot. The fault information is also stored so technicians can observe and download the BITE data following the flight. The data is typically retrieved from a centralized location on the aircraft.
Today’s BITE systems not only ____, ____, and ____; they can perform operational tests on systems. When an aircraft system is activated, the BITE system will complete a health monitoring test before allowing it to connect to the data bus. Technicians can use this feature when running diagnostics during troubleshooting.
Today’s BITE systems not only monitor, isolate, and report; they can perform operational tests on systems. When an aircraft system is activated, the BITE system will complete a health monitoring test before allowing it to connect to the data bus. Technicians can use this feature when running diagnostics during troubleshooting.
BITE systems do not replace the aircraft’s EICAS or ECAM systems but rather work with them. BITE systems records______and creates a _____for technicians to review. The fault history will assist the technician in quickly isolating the faulty LRU or system component.
BITE systems do not replace the aircraft’s EICAS or ECAM systems but rather work with them. BITE systems record every occurrence of a fault and create a fault history for technicians to review. The fault history will assist the technician in quickly isolating the faulty LRU or system component.
The ______ (MCDU) is normally located in the equipment bay and is accessed either at the unit itself or from the flight deck. The MCDU was the first generation of advanced integrated BITE systems and is found on hundreds of transport category aircraft.
The Maintenance Control Display Unit (MCDU) is normally located in the equipment bay and is accessed either at the unit itself or from the flight deck. The MCDU was the first generation of advanced integrated BITE systems and is found on hundreds of transport category aircraft.
The display of the MCDU indicates the ____, the _____ order of the error, the _____ that had the error, and the _____. The technician then deciphers the code to identify the fault.
If more than one error occurred, the malfunctions are listed in the order they occurred. This is important because the first error may have caused the others.
The display of the MCDU indicates the flight number and date, the sequential order of the error, the system that had the error, and the error code. The technician then deciphers the code to identify the fault.
If more than one error occurred, the malfunctions are listed in the order they occurred. This is important because the first error may have caused the others.
If the MCDU data is accessed from the flight deck, the ______display unit is used to display the data. On most MCDU systems, historical data retrieval, system test initiation, and system test results monitoring can all be accomplished from the flight deck.
If the MCDU data is accessed from the flight deck, the auxiliary EICAS display unit is used to display the data. On most MCDU systems, historical data retrieval, system test initiation, and system test results monitoring can all be accomplished from the flight deck.
The _______ (CMCS) performs the same functions as the MCDU except that it performs monitoring, fault isolation, and functional tests on almost all aircraft systems. The CMCS provides enhanced memory, more descriptive reporting, and is accessed via the ______ (CDUs) on the aircraft’s center console.
The Central Maintenance Computer System (CMCS) performs the same functions as the MCDU except that it performs monitoring, fault isolation, and functional tests on almost all aircraft systems. The CMCS provides enhanced memory, more descriptive reporting, and is accessed via the Control Display Units (CDUs) on the aircraft’s center console.
The CMCS is not a BITE system but rather a _______. Each LRU will contain its own BITE system. The CMCS can request BITE tests and retrieve the resulting data for reporting and archiving.
The CMCS is not a BITE system but rather a BITE management system. Each LRU will contain its own BITE system. The CMCS can request BITE tests and retrieve the resulting data for reporting and archiving.
The CMCS has two______ that receive identical systems data via the data bus. Both CMCs are linked together to compare data and identify anomalies.
The CMCS has two central maintenance computers (CMCs) that receive identical systems data via the data bus. Both CMCs are linked together to compare data and identify anomalies.
The _____ can initiate LRU BITE tests for checking a system’s health when initialized and for maintenance troubleshooting via the ______. Many of these BITE tests perform flight, engine, and airframe systems control functions during the course of the testing.
The CMCS can initiate LRU BITE tests for checking a system’s health when initialized and for maintenance troubleshooting via the Control Display Units (CDUs). Many of these BITE tests perform flight, engine, and airframe systems control functions during the course of the testing.
Testing of some systems in flight would ______. The CMCS provides protection against performing certain BITE tests while the aircraft is airborne. As soon as the weight is off the aircraft wheels, many BITE testing functions are disabled; however, the CMCS continues to monitor these functions during the flight.
Testing of some systems in flight would be very dangerous. The CMCS provides protection against performing certain BITE tests while the aircraft is airborne. As soon as the weight is off the aircraft wheels, many BITE testing functions are disabled; however, the CMCS continues to monitor these functions during the flight.
When a system fails, the _____ alerts the pilots and displays the affected system on the _____. The pilot can access the fault data via the _____to make a printout for the aircraft maintenance logbook.
When a system fails, the EICAS alerts the pilots and displays the affected system on the EICAS. The pilot can access the fault data via the CDU to make a printout for the aircraft maintenance logbook.
The Maintenance Control Display Unit stores information about in-flight conditions. For how many of the last flights will the MCDU allow the technician to access information?
5
10
15
10
The Maintenance Control Display Unit allows information for a different number of flights to be reviewed for equipment trends.
The _____ (CFDS) supports aircraft equipped with _________ (ECAM) systems and is typically found on European-built aircraft.
The Centralized Fault Display System (CFDS) supports aircraft equipped with Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring (ECAM) systems and is typically found on European-built aircraft.
The Centralized Fault Display System (CFDS) has the same purpose and operates basically the same as the Maintenance Control Display Unit and Centralized Maintenance Computer System except it places information into _______.
_______are reported to the crew from the Maintenance Control Display Unit (MCDU) located between the pilots.
______conditions are not critical to flight and are not displayed until retrieved on the ground. These conditions do not need to be addressed until the aircraft’s next scheduled maintenance period.
The Centralized Fault Display System (CFDS) has the same purpose and operates basically the same as the Maintenance Control Display Unit and Centralized Maintenance Computer System except it places information into one of three categories or classes.
The information is given a class according to the urgency of repair.
Class 1 and 2 are reported to the crew from the Maintenance Control Display Unit (MCDU) located between the pilots.
The MCDU display information is provided by the Centralized Fault Display Interface Unit (CFDIU) computer usually located on the avionics rack.
All Class I conditions affect flight operation and will trigger a master caution/warning alert. Additionally, the condition will be displayed on the ECAM display. Class II conditions will display the condition on the ECAM display; however, they will not generate a master caution/warning alert.
Class III conditions are not critical to flight and are not displayed until retrieved on the ground. These conditions do not need to be addressed until the aircraft’s next scheduled maintenance period.
