MCDU/FMGS

Question 1

What are the two modes of flight guidance?

Answer 1

• Managed guidance
• Selected guidance

Question 2

What is the managed mode of flight guidance used for?

Answer 2

Long-term lateral, vertical, and speed profiles as determined by the FMGS.

Question 3

What is the selected mode of flight guidance used for?

Answer 3

Temporary lateral, vertical, and speed commands as selected with the FCU.

Question 4

Does selected or managed guidance have priority?

Answer 4

Selected guidance

Question 5

What does ACTIVATE/CONFIRM APPR phase do for the pilot if in managed speed?

Answer 5

• Allows autothrust and speed target to follow a predetermined schedule, based on flap selection:
  ◦ F0 = green dot
  ◦ F1 = S speed
  ◦ F2 = F speed
  ◦ F3 = F speed or VAPP (depending on landing flap selection)
  ◦ Full = VAPP
• If using managed speed, GSMINI is available. If using selected speed, GSMINI is not available.

Question 6

What happens if the pilots forget to ACTIVATE/ CONFIRM the APPR phase while in the descent phase?

Answer 6

Once you select manage speed the airplane will add power to obtain 250 kts below 10,000 ft.

Question 7

What time of day would a pilot have to switch to a new Navigation Database?

Answer 7

0901z

Question 8

Can the crew modify data in the navigation database?

Answer 8

The crew has limited ability to create pilot stored navigational data.

Question 9

How would a flight crew determine the validity of the navigation database?

Answer 9

On the A/C STATUS page.

Question 10

What input does each FMGC normally use for position determination?

Answer 10

A hybrid IRS/GPS position.

Question 11

What is the normal operational mode of the FMGS?

Answer 11

Dual mode, with one FMGS as master and the other FMGS as slave

Question 12

How does autopilot selection influence master FMGS logic?

Answer 12

• If one autopilot is engaged, the respective FMGS is master
• If both autopilots are engaged, FMGS 1 will be the master
• If no autopilot is engaged FMGS 1 is the master

Question 13

If an amber OFF SIDE FM CONTROL message is displayed on the ND what action should the crew take?

Answer 13

An FMGS has failed and both NDs must be set to the same mode and range. The full procedure can be found in the COM.

Question 14

In cruise flight with AP1 engaged, what would happen if AP2 was selected?

Answer 14

The AP2 would takeover, and AP1 would disengage. It is only possible to engage both autopilots in the approach phase after selection of the APPR pushbutton while conducting a ILS approach.

Question 15

What is the difference between the large and small fonts utilized in the MCDU?

Answer 15

• Large – Pilot entries and modifiable data
• Small – Default or computed, non-modifiable data

Question 16

If the FLEX TEMP is not entered on the TAKEOFF page of the MCDU, and the thrust levers are positioned in the FLEX detent, what will occur and what should be done?

Answer 16

• A ECAM CAUTION will be generated
• Thrust levers should be moved into the TOGA detent and continue the takeoff.