auto flight

Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of the autopilot disengage switch mounted on each control yoke?

To adjust the flight director settings

To activate the autopilot

To rapidly disengage the autopilot (correct)

To control the aircraft's speed

What components are referred to as actuators in the context of the autopilot system?

Safety mechanisms for autopilot systems

Devices that move control surfaces (correct)

Pilots that control navigation

Instruments that display flight information

Which types of motors are associated with servo actuators?

Linear and rotary motors

AC- or DC-powered motors, torque motors, or solenoid-controlled valves (correct)

Stepper and gear motors

Lead and lag motors

What does the flight mode annunciator indicate to the pilot?

Visual indication of selected modes for flight director, autopilot, and autothrottle Signup and view all the answers

How does the flight director display contribute to autopilot function?

By monitoring autopilot activity through displayed information Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a type of servomotor mentioned in the autopilot system?

Electro-standard Signup and view all the answers

What does the flight controller allow the pilot to do while the autopilot is engaged?

Alter the aircraft’s attitude without disengaging the autopilot Signup and view all the answers

Which mode allows pilots to control the aircraft while actively commanding both autopilots?

Command mode Signup and view all the answers

What function is incorporated into the mode-select panel (MSP) in relation to the autopilot?

Flight director function Signup and view all the answers

What prevents the autopilot from engaging when using the turn knob on the flight controller?

The engage interlock in the detent position is not activated Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following navigation modes is NOT selectable through the MSP?

Automatic taxi management Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference for aircraft fitted with Control Wheel Steering (CWS)?

They do not need the traditional flight controller Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of trim tabs in an aircraft?

To relieve the pilot from maintaining constant pressure on controls Signup and view all the answers

How do pilots initiate movement of the control surfaces in an aircraft?

By repositioning the control column or rudder pedals Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes power-assisted control systems from power-operated systems in an aircraft?

The connection between the pilot's controls and the control surfaces Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the movement of the control surface in a power-assisted control system?

The pilot pulling back on the control stick Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the control valve pistons in a power-assisted system?

To allow hydraulic fluid to flow and assist in movement Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario is NOT described in the operations of control surfaces in powered flight?

Flight control surfaces requiring muscle power alone Signup and view all the answers

What type of actuator does NOT rely on direct pilot input in its operation?

Power-operated actuators Signup and view all the answers

During a climb, what happens to the control lever when the pilot pulls back on the control stick?

It pivots and causes the control surface to move up Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the inner loop in an autopilot system?

To compare actual and desired aircraft attitudes Signup and view all the answers

How does an outer loop in an autopilot system operate?

It utilizes external sensors to make attitude corrections Signup and view all the answers

What does a closed-loop system indicate about autopilot operation?

Feedback is integrated into the control process Signup and view all the answers

What unusual behavior might occur if aerodynamic feedback is missing in an autopilot system?

Control surfaces may drift or hit their limits Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the follow-up system in an autopilot?

To counter the input signal and stabilize the control surface Signup and view all the answers

From what signal does the autopilot system initially derive its input during flight?

Gyro stabilization signal from the attitude gyro Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the input signal when a control surface is moved?

It is reduced back to zero as the aircraft stabilizes Signup and view all the answers

What system often operates using the inner loop principle alongside autopilots?

Yaw damper systems Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for control surfaces to ‘drift continuously’ during autopilot operation?

There is a lack of input signals from the autopilot Signup and view all the answers

Why are maintenance manual test procedures critical for autopilot systems?

To identify and correct unusual responses in the system Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Autopilot System Overview

Autopilot disengage switches are located on each control yoke for quick manual override.
The flight director mode utilizes shared computing circuits with the autopilot, displaying navigational data on the attitude director indicator.

Flight Mode Annunciator

Positioned near the attitude director indicator, it provides visual cues regarding the active modes for autopilot, flight director, and autothrottle functionalities.

Autopilot Actuators

Components (actuators, servomotors) manipulate control surfaces via electrical signals converted into mechanical movement.
Types of servomotors include electro-pneumatic, electro-mechanical, and electro-hydraulic.
Flight control by the pilot is achieved through a physical connection of the control column to control surfaces, aided by trim tabs for ease of flight.

Powered Flight Controls

Larger aircraft require powered control surfaces due to physical limitations. Assistance is provided through actuators.
Two primary actuator types: power-assisted (providing help to pilots) and power-operated (where flight controls are moved solely by the actuator).

Autopilot Functionality

The autopilot system operates on dual servo loops: an inner loop for attitude correction and an outer loop for external system feedback.
Aerodynamic feedback is essential for maintaining stable autopilot operations, reflected by closed-loop systems.

Autopilot Engagement Sequence

Gyro stabilization signals initiate control surface adjustments to correct aircraft drift during autopilot engagement.
Control surfaces respond, allowing the aircraft to return to desired attitudes as the follow-up system provides continued feedback.

Mode Select Panel (MSP)

The MSP controls autopilot systems, enabling mode selections such as altitude hold, VOR/ILS approaches, and more.
Integration with Flight Management Systems (FMS) varies, though modern systems often incorporate both.

Flight Controller Features

Pilots can alter aircraft attitudes manually with autopilot engaged via a flight controller featuring turn and pitch controls.
Control Wheel Steering (CWS) is available on some aircraft, streamlining manual flight input without a separate controller.

Servomotor Types and Functionality

Continuous DC motors allow rapid engagement/disengagement while reducing inertial effects on control surfaces.
AC servomotors utilize variable AC signals to manage clutch assembly, enabling control over flight mechanisms as required.

Electro-Hydraulic Actuators

These actuators combine hydraulic forces with electric control signals, enhancing the operation of flight control systems.

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of turbine aeroplane aerodynamics and the functionality of autopilot systems. This quiz covers crucial elements like the autopilot disengage switches, providing insights into flight control mechanisms. Perfect for students in aviation studies.