Flight Management & Navigation

Question 1

What information do the IRSs provide? Are they dependent on, or independent of external navigation aids?

Answer 1

Position, ground speed, and attitude data.

Independent of external navigation.

Question 2

When does IRS position and ground speed information become available?

Answer 2

Once the IRS is aligned on the ground.

Question 3

How long does IRS alignment take?

Answer 3

5-17 minutes

Question 4

When does the ALIGN (white) illuminate steady on the IRS panel?

Answer 4

When the respective IRS is operating in either the:
-ALIGN mode
-initial ATT mode, or
-shutdown cycle

Question 5

What does a flashing ALIGN (white) on the IRS panel during preflight indicate?

Answer 5

Alignment cannot be completed due to IRS detection of:
-significant difference between previous and entered positions or unreasonable position or
-no present position entry

Question 6

What could cause the call horn in the nose wheel well to sound while the aircraft is on the ground?

Answer 6

The IRS is operating on DC power from the switched hot battery bus

Question 7

Without AC power, how long can the IRSs operate? What light(s) will you see?

Answer 7

Power to the right side IRS is automatically terminated if AC power is not restored within 5 minutes.

“ON DC” caution light illuminates

Question 8

If a system fault affecting the related IRS ATT and/or NAV modes has been detected, what indication will you get?

Answer 8

FAULT (amber) light illuminates.

Question 9

What does an VERIFY POSITION scratchpad message indicate?

Answer 9

The lat/lon position is not within 4nm of the origin airport.

Question 10

How many GPS receivers are installed?

Answer 10

2

Question 11

How is the GPS activated and what does it provide data for?

Answer 11

Auto activation

Independent geographical position is sent to the FMC and time data is sent to the clocks.

Question 12

With the FMC SOURCE select switch in NORMAL, which FMC is primary?

Answer 12

Left side FMC

Question 13

What’s the criteria for airports to be included in the nav database?

Answer 13

At least 1 paved runway that is at least:
-5000’ long
-100’ wide
-has an instrument approach procedure.

Question 14

When using the Autothrottle system, which system calculates reference thrust limits, and how is that thrust equalization maintained?

Answer 14

Thrust limits are calculated through the FMC

Commands thrust equalization through the Electronic Engine Control (EEC)

Question 15

Are the FMCs independent of one another? Do they compare information?

Answer 15

-Yes they are independent

-Yes, the second FMC serves as a backup, providing complete navigational functions if the other FMC fails.

Question 16

Where do the FMCs receive their inertial data from?

Answer 16

Their on-side ADIRU

Question 17

How can takeoff thrust be derated?

Answer 17

Can be selected in the FMC on the N1 LIMIT page.

Question 18

What sources do the FMCs use to determine position? IN what order?

Answer 18

-GPS
-2 or more DME stations
-one VOR with a co-located DME
-one localizer and co-located DME
-one localizer

Question 19

What criteria must be met for LNAV engagement?

Answer 19

-When laterally 3nm of the active route leg.

-If outside of 3nm of the active route leg, LNAV engages if on an intercept heading of 90 degrees or less and the intercept will occur before the active waypoint.

Question 20

How does the FMC calculate a descent path during a VNAV PTH descent?

Answer 20

Computed prior to top of descent and then is frozen unless the pilot executes a major edit to the flight plan.

Looks at the end of descent (E/D) point and works backwards up to cruise altitude. Factoring in airspeed and altitude restrictions.

Question 21

The DC Fail (amber) light, when illuminated, indicates?

Answer 21

DC power for the related IRS is not normal

Question 22

What are indications of a left FMC failure?

Answer 22

FMC alert light illuminates. The MENU page appears on both CDUs. VTK appears on the left navigation display. LNAV and VNAV will disengage, but can be reengaged if Autopilot B is in use or is selected

Question 23

LNAV will engage when?

Answer 23

Laterally positioned within 3nm of the active route leg.

Question 24

In the MAX, the FMC Alert light includes which new indication?

Answer 24

Runway Disagree

Question 25

In the MAX, what fuel indications are on the Fuel Progress Page 5/5?

Answer 25

APU Fuel Used

Totalizer

Calculated