Gyros and compass Flashcards
What are the two properties of a spinning gyro?
Rigidity in space
Precession
What is rigidity in space?
A spinning gyro maintains the same position even if its base is moved or twisted.
What is precession?
An outside force will cause the gyro to tilt as if the force was applied 90 degrees ahead in the direction of rotation. “turn and bank indicator and turn coordinator”
Explain what the artificial horizon instrument does and how you read it?
Gives the pilot accurate reference to the aircraft’s attitude for level flight and maneuvers. “picture”
What in an inclinometer?
A ball inside a tubed filled with kerosene on a turn and bank indicator.
How does a inclinometer work?
It shows if the turn is coordinated. With centrifugal force and horizontal lift acting on the ball. if one is higher than the other the aircraft will skid or slip deflecting the ball.
Explain a rate gyro (turn and bank indicator)
Only free on 1 axis (plus spin); uses precession to give flight data, measuring rate of turn of a/c
What is the differences between a turn and bank indicator and a turn coordinator?
Turn coordinator has a “canted gyro” and will indicate rate of roll as well as rate of turn.
When are pressure pumps required over suction pumps?
At higher altitudes where there is not enough air pressure to provide a good vacuum
Explain the components of a gyro instrument air system?
Air pump
Pressure regulator
Air filter
Vacuum/pump gauge
Plumbing
Oil separator
Explain how air pumps are lubricated?
Wet pumps are lubricated with engine oil
Dry pups are self-lubricated with internal carbon vanes
Explain how a ring laser gyro works?
Instead of a spinning gyro wheel it uses laser beams and mirrors, two different laser beams are routed to a sensor if the received pattern changes there was movement about the axis
Explain the three compass errors and which one concerns AMTs the most?
Variation: magnetic NP is not true NP
Deviation: magnetic influences with an aircraft
Dip: acceleration errors, northerly turning errors, oscillation (pilot concern)
How does an AMT correct deviation errors?
By swinging the compass and adjusting compensating magnets
Name the components of a wet magnetic system?
Rotating magnet
Compass card
Oil
Jewel post and pivot
Compensating magnets
Expansion diaphragm
Lamp
Lubber line
How does a wet magnetic compass work?
Rotating magnets interact with earth’s magnetic field to give directional reference
Explain how a flux gate compass works?
A remote mounted auxiliary compass. Alternates between 400 Hz and the the earth’s lines of flux. Iron core with 3 pick up coil winding 120 degrees apart sensing the earth’s flux lines. Each heading will produce a different strength signal from each of the 3 coils
Briefly explain the procedure of “swinging” a compass and where this procedure takes place?
At an airport “compass rose”
With all electronics on and engines running adjust aircraft on “compass rose” markings while adjusting compensation screws.
Name 5 things that you must check before installing an instrument?
P/N
S/N
Parts tag/info
Remove protective caps
Inspect for defects/damage
Where can you find operating limits for instrument range marking?
TCDS
POH
AMM
Explain the proper tooling and procedure used to remove/install cannon plugs?
Proper wrenches. Align the correct cannon plugs properly, do not over tighten
How are instruments mounted/secured?
Bolted and clamped in place either front, rear, or clamp mounted
How are computers mounted in electronic bays?
Usually slid onto a rack and have a holding/locking mechanism
Why are shock mounts used with instruments?
Used to protect the electronic equipment by absorbing vibrations
