Flight Controls Flashcards
What is the difference between normal and direct mode?
Direct mode removes FCMs and there are no higher level functions available
Will the speedbrakes/ground spoilers function in direct mode?
No
The flight modes available on the aircraft include:
Normal and direct modes
If all systems are operating normally, what will be the flight control mode?
Normal Mode
The roll control system includes:
Ailerons and multifunction spoilers
When the elevator control system is in Direct Mode, the autopilot is unavailable (T/F).
True
The green band on the PITCH scale represents:
Allowable takeoff trim range
What is the only primary flight control that is not fly-by-wire?
Ailerons
What do you lose when you go into Direct Mode?
All higher level functions for the associated flight control
What are examples of ELEVATOR higher level functions?
Gain on airspeed
Elevator thrust compensation
Angle of Attack limiting
What are examples of RUDDER higher level functions?
Gain on airspeed
Yaw damper
Turn coordination
Can a FCM override a pilot input?
No. However, the FCMs augment pilot inputs through higher level functions
How does the fly-by-wire system work?
The Flight Control Module (FCM) units are connected to the Actuator Control Electronics (ACE) by the Control Area Network Bus (CANB), providing digital inputs to the ACE which are combined with pilot inputs (elevator and rudder).
In general terms, what is direct mode?
The FCM is removed from the control loop. The higher level functions are removed from the flight control in question
There are 3 FLIGHT CONTROL MODE guarded buttons. What happens when any one button is pressed?
Places the associated flight control into direct mode or restores normal mode
Will the loss of airspeed data cause the flight controls go to direct mode?
Yes
Can the pilot select Direct Mode? How so?
Yes, by pressing the FLIGHT CONTROLS MODE button in
Will the multifunction spoilers function in Direct Mode?
Yes, for roll only at a default gain
Will the speed brakes and ground spoilers function in Direct Mode?
No
With the spoilers operating in Direct Mode, what multifunction spoiler modes are unavailable?
Ground spoilers and speed brakes
Is Angle of Attack limiting available in Direct Mode?
No
What does hydraulic system 3 power?
Essential flight controls- elevator, aileron, rudder
What is the purpose of the pitch trim switch?
To trim the airplane when autopilot is off
What is the priority for the trim system?
Back up, Captain, First officer, FCM (auto-trim) commands
The trim system is protected from runaway by:
3 second timer limits trim activation to no more than 3 seconds
What happens when you select only half of either Pitch Trim switch on the control wheel or control pedestal for more than 5 seconds?
The switch is automatically deactivated and the applicable advisory PITCH TRIM SW FAIL message on EICAS is displayed. If the condition persists with only half the switch pressed for more than 6 seconds, the aural warning “TRIM” is activated
What will happen if the backup pitch trim switch is used with the autopilot engaged?
The autopilot will disengage
How are the flight controls trimmed (roll)?
Ailerons are repositioned to a new neutral position