Flight Instruments 2

Question 1

Air Data Computer

Answer 1

Collects information from systems and calculates a bunch of different parameters and displays it on a screen

Question 2

Attitude Heading Reference System

Answer 2

• Uses 3 auto leveling gyros aligned with each axis of the airplane
• Gyros have accelerometers which detect any changes from original attitude
• Computer collects data and interprets attitude, rate of turn, and slip/skid

Question 3

Directional Alignment

Answer 3

• System needs to have a reference for North
• Magnetic Compass, Flux Valve, or INS

Question 4

Flux Valve

Answer 4

• Used to determine direction in a manner similar to the compass
• Uses electrical lines of force to determine direction without the problems created by magnetic dip
• Still sensitive to acceleration, but casing can compensate for turning error
• Mounted horizontally, housing allows for valve to always stay level, can compensate for up to 30 degrees of pitch
• Located in tail or wing so magnetic interference from the airplane is minimal
• More accurate and more expensive than the compass, used in advanced light and medium aircraft

Question 5

Inertial Navigation System (INS)

Answer 5

• Determines attitude and heading for EFIS
• very expensive system used in jet aircraft
• Uses Ring Laser Gyros and accelerometers to detect change in pitch, roll, and yaw
• Data collected and sent to EFIS display
• Needs to be aligned on the ground

Question 6

Ring Laser Gyro

Answer 6

• Uses lasers and mirrors, no moving parts
• Two lasers sent around a mirror triangle to a receptor, one sent in other direction
• Time measured for each
• Difference can be detected to determine position
• 3 RLG’s for each axis
• Computer required to collect and interpret data