Gyros and compass

Question 1

What are the two properties of a spinning gyro?

Answer 1

Rigidity in space
Precession

Question 2

What is rigidity in space?

Answer 2

A spinning gyro maintains the same position even if its base is moved or twisted.

Question 3

What is precession?

Answer 3

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”

Question 4

Explain what the artificial horizon instrument does and how you read it?

Answer 4

Gives the pilot accurate reference to the aircraft’s attitude for level flight and maneuvers. “picture”

Question 5

What in an inclinometer?

Answer 5

A ball inside a tubed filled with kerosene on a turn and bank indicator.

Question 6

How does a inclinometer work?

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

Explain a rate gyro (turn and bank indicator)

Answer 7

Only free on 1 axis (plus spin); uses precession to give flight data, measuring rate of turn of a/c

Question 8

What is the differences between a turn and bank indicator and a turn coordinator?

Answer 8

Turn coordinator has a “canted gyro” and will indicate rate of roll as well as rate of turn.

Question 9

When are pressure pumps required over suction pumps?

Answer 9

At higher altitudes where there is not enough air pressure to provide a good vacuum

Question 10

Explain the components of a gyro instrument air system?

Answer 10

Air pump
Pressure regulator
Air filter
Vacuum/pump gauge
Plumbing
Oil separator

Question 11

Explain how air pumps are lubricated?

Answer 11

Wet pumps are lubricated with engine oil
Dry pups are self-lubricated with internal carbon vanes

Question 12

Explain how a ring laser gyro works?

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Explain the three compass errors and which one concerns AMTs the most?

Answer 13

Variation: magnetic NP is not true NP
Deviation: magnetic influences with an aircraft
Dip: acceleration errors, northerly turning errors, oscillation (pilot concern)

Question 14

How does an AMT correct deviation errors?

Answer 14

By swinging the compass and adjusting compensating magnets

Question 15

Name the components of a wet magnetic system?

Answer 15

Rotating magnet
Compass card
Oil
Jewel post and pivot
Compensating magnets
Expansion diaphragm
Lamp
Lubber line

Question 16

How does a wet magnetic compass work?

Answer 16

Rotating magnets interact with earth’s magnetic field to give directional reference

Question 17

Explain how a flux gate compass works?

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Briefly explain the procedure of “swinging” a compass and where this procedure takes place?

Answer 18

At an airport “compass rose”
With all electronics on and engines running adjust aircraft on “compass rose” markings while adjusting compensation screws.

Question 19

Name 5 things that you must check before installing an instrument?

Answer 19

P/N
S/N
Parts tag/info
Remove protective caps
Inspect for defects/damage

Question 20

Where can you find operating limits for instrument range marking?

Answer 20

TCDS
POH
AMM

Question 21

Explain the proper tooling and procedure used to remove/install cannon plugs?

Answer 21

Proper wrenches. Align the correct cannon plugs properly, do not over tighten

Question 22

How are instruments mounted/secured?

Answer 22

Bolted and clamped in place either front, rear, or clamp mounted

Question 23

How are computers mounted in electronic bays?

Answer 23

Usually slid onto a rack and have a holding/locking mechanism

Question 24

Why are shock mounts used with instruments?

Answer 24

Used to protect the electronic equipment by absorbing vibrations