Master Warning System, Microburst Windshear System, GPWS and ACAS Flashcards
What has the complexity of modern aircraft systems resulted in with regards to the master warning system?
The installation of numerous warning lights to alert the crew to system failure or malfunction.
Where was the common position of warning lights in early aircraft? What was the disadvantage of this?
- Adjacent to the respective system control.
- Cockpit space limitations meant that many system control panels are located out of the direct view of the flight crew e.g. overhead or side panels.
As a result of the disadvantage of the early warning lights, what was developed?
Aircraft designers developed centralised warning panels/systems. In addition, aural and tactile alerts are used to catch the crews’ attention.
What is the name for the central warning panel/system for Boeing and Airbus respectively?
- Boeing is Warning Electronics System
- Airbus is Flight Warning Computer
What is the basic function of the master warning system? What are the different methods of warning?
To alert the crew to an operational problem, or system malfunction, transport aircraft are fitted with warning systems, which use visual, aural and tactile methods of warning.
Describe the function of the visual alert with regards to the warning system?
Coloured lights (red, cyan, orange and white), most warnings utilise this method.
What are the lights that illuminate whenever a system malfunction is detected by the Master Warning System? Why does it do this?
- Two Master WARNING or CAUTION lights.
- Get the flight crew’s attention and direct them to the Central Warning Panel or EICAS/ECAM to establish what the problem is.
Describe the function of the aural alert with regards to the warning system?
Is it normal for two systems to have the same aural alert?
- Alert the operator to the system with an issue, i.e. a fire warning typically has a fire bell sounding and “FIRE FIRE”.
- Normal for no two systems to have the same aural alert.
What are the different types of aural warning alerts?
What are the different uses for each aural warning alert?
- SYNTHETIC VOICE. Used to annunciate time-critical warning alert conditions such as TAWS and ACAS warnings and cautions.
- ALARM BELL. Used for fire warnings only.
- SIREN. Used to annunciate cabin altitude, configuration and Overspeed warning alerts.
- WAILER. Used to annunciate autopilot disconnect warning.
What are the different types of aural caution alerts?
What are the different uses for each aural caution alert?
- BEEPER. Used for all system alert level caution messages.
- CLACKER. Used to annunciate overspeed warning.
Describe the function of the tactile alert with regards to the warning system?
- When the operator feels some movement as in the stall warning where the control column shakes and if the pilot does not correct the stall conditions, the stick can be pushed out of the pilot’s hands by a stick pusher.
What will inhibiting an alert do with regards to the warning system?
Inhibiting will stop the light flashing on the warning system and inhibit the AURAL ALERT, however in some cases, such as the tactile alerts, the only way to inhibit them is to correct the unsafe condition.
Why is it important to inhibit alerts with regards to the warning system?
Remove the distracting noise or flashing light from a good logical consideration of the issues at hand.
What does the Central Warning Panel display regarding the Master Warning System?
Engine and aircraft system status to the pilots.
What are the Boeing and Airbus terms respectively for the electronic system functions of an aircraft?
EICAS - Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System
ECAM - Electronic Centralised Alert Monitoring