History and Basic Theory of Autopilot Flashcards
It refers to a system that can significantly reduce workload during phases of flight. It also refers to a collection of systems that automate a plane’s operations.
Autopilot
It tells your plane how to fly, including navigation, altitude, speed, and engine thrust, which controls the force by which the plane moves through the air.
Complex Computer Matrix
It describes a complete flight from departure to arrival.
Flight Plan
interface between the pilot and the FMS
Multipurpose Control and Display Unit (MCDU)
on-board multi-purpose navigation, performance, and aircraft operations computer
Flight Management System (FMS)
capability to fly any desired flight path defined by waypoints
Area Navigation (RNAV)
In cases of an autopilot, the FAA mandates that pilots be “________” for takeoffs and landings.
hands-on
Who are the Wright Brothers?
Wilbur & Orville Wright
Where was the first test flights of the Wright Bros?
Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
When was the first two gliders of the Wright Bros flown?
1900 and 1901
Why did the first two gliders of the Wright Bros fail?
not enough lift and not fully controllable
helped the brothers build a gasoline engine (that is light enough to propel an airplane and difficult controls)
Charlie Taylor
helped the brothers build the first true airplane propellers and built a new, powered aircraft
Charlie Taylor
The first aircraft autopilot was developed by _______ on _____.
Sperry Corporation, 1912
Important component on the first aircraft autopilot
gyroscopic heading indicator & attitude indicator
Who and when was the credibility of autopilot demonstrated?
Lawrence Sperry, 1914
made it possible to fly during night and bad weather
Radio Navigation Aids
Other further developments of the autopilot include __________ and ________.
improved control algorithms, hydraulic servomechanism
gives inertial rotation data of an aircraft
laser gyro
When at rest, in a laser gyro, the two beams get to the sensor with the _________.
same frequency
What creates a difference of frequency between two beams?
aircraft rotation
It is measured by optical providing an analog output, which is sent to the analog to digital converter.
frequency difference
After computation of the frequency difference, this output will provide _________ of the aircraft.
rotation information
LASER is usually found in the ____________ along with CG of the aircraft.
center cabin floor panel
If Laser Gyro fails, use the _______ located on cockpit instrument panel.
backup attitude gyro
If Laser Gyro fails, use the backup attitude gyro located on _____________.
cockpit instrument panel
Give at least three advantages of auto pilot
- Reduces manual workload and fatigue
- Relief from small errors
- Precision in the handling of routine tasks
- Increased productivity
Give at least three disadvantages of auto pilot
- Automation – induced failures
- False alarms
- Boredom
- Over-reliance, complacency; willing to accept results without scrutinizing them first
- Reduced alertness of operator, by offering a false sense of security
pilot’s main role
maneuver the airplane from A to B safely and efficiently
Give at least three from the five sub-tasks of a pilot
- to operate, manage, and to monitor the engines and airplane control systems: Lights off Principle on Pushbutton Switches
- to avoid inadvertent encounters with either unfriendly terrain or with objects on the ground
- to navigate efficiently to the destination airport
- to ensure comfort to the passengers and crew by operating and monitoring such systems as pressurization and temperature control
- to communicate with company operations and with ATC
It contains the elements from which the flight plan is constructed.
Navigational Data Base (NDB)
contains all of the information required for building a flight plan
Navigational Data Base (NDB)
information required to build a flight plan
- airways
- airports
- Standard Terminal Arrival (STAR)
Pilots must understand the way databases are compiled and revised by the _______ and processed by the _________; updated every ___ days.
database provider, avionics mechanic, 28
Basic AFCS consists of:
- sensing element
- command element
- output element
- computer/amplifier
consists of gyro, rate gyros, accelerometer, pitot-static system, and air temperature probes
detecting element
detect the movement of the aircraft about its three flight axes and the rate of that movement
detecting element
considered to be internal controls or inner loop of the system
detecting element
consist of the pilot’s control panel and manually operated controls that include the pilot’s stick, rudder pedals, and navigation
command element
considered to be external controls or the outer loop of the system
command element
brain of the system
computer amplifier
computes, amplifies, and processes the signal from the detecting and command element
computer amplifier
directs the output element to respond to the pilot’s and or system requirements
computer amplifier
consists of units, which move the control surfaces of the aircraft in response to the whatever man na naputol
output elements
Autopilot modes are capable of maintaining set of operating parameters using Flight Control Unit (FCU) which can include:
- attitude hold
- heading hold
- vertical speed hold
- altitude hold
Consists of the detection, amplification, correction, follow up, and the aircraft response loop
Basic AFCS Loop
functions to cancel the input signal by applying an opposite signal proportional to the command required to bring the aircraft to the desired attitude
follow up signal
