Aircraft Flight Control Systems: Actuators and Servomotors

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What happens to the outside wing when an airplane yaws?

It becomes less swept back in relation to the air flow (correct)
It stalls
It maintains its original angle to the air flow
It becomes more swept back in relation to the air flow

What is the purpose of a yaw damper control system?

To control the roll of the airplane
To provide artificial feel to the pilot
To increase the airspeed of the airplane
To automatically control the yawing of the airplane (correct)

What is the primary difference between the autopilot engage switch and a flight controller?

One has a CWS mode, while the other does not (correct)
One has a Heading Hold mode, while the other does not
One is used for manual flight, while the other is used for automatic flight
One is used for turbine aeroplanes, while the other is used for other types of aircraft

In a hydraulically operated control surface actuator, what does the pilot need to move to input a command?

The control valve spool (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Heading Select mode?

To respond to the angular difference between the aircraft's heading and a preselected heading (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is an artificial feel unit necessary in a hydraulically operated control surface?

To replicate the opposition forces of a mechanically driven control surface (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main types of servomotors?

Electro-pneumatic, Electro-mechanical, Electro-hydraulic (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a hydraulically operated control surface and a mechanically operated one?

The amount of force required to deflect the control surface (C) Signup and view all the answers

What will the aircraft do if the Altitude Select mode is engaged while climbing or descending?

It will level off at the selected altitude (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of actuator is most likely to be used in modern commercial aircraft?

Electro-hydraulic (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the system shown in the diagram?

To provide elevator feel (A) Signup and view all the answers

How many pneumatic actuators are needed for each control surface?

Two (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Vertical Speed Hold mode?

To maintain the aircraft's current vertical speed (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a bridle cable in a pneumatic actuator?

To reposition the flight control surface (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of engaging the Airspeed or Mach Hold mode?

The aircraft will change its pitch attitude to maintain its current airspeed (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the Vertical Speed Hold mode and the Altitude Hold mode?

They are mutually exclusive (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a series and a parallel actuator?

Pilot's control movement (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the source of pneumatic pressure in an electro-pneumatic actuator?

Both A and B (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the control surface position cam?

To increase the spring pressure on the yellow valve (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an autopilot system?

To provide pilot relief during tedious stages of flight (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for an autopilot system that controls attitude about the roll axis only?

Wings leveller (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for an autopilot system that can land an aircraft automatically?

Autoland (D) Signup and view all the answers

How many axes of control can a multi-axis autopilot system implement?

Two or three axes (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the system that incorporates autopilot functions, among others?

AFCS (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the control wheel steering transducer in an autopilot system?

To convert the input force into an electrical signal (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between the command mode and control wheel steering mode in autopilot systems?

The pilot does not touch the controls in command mode, but does in control wheel steering mode (A) Signup and view all the answers

How can a pilot override the autopilot system in case of a malfunction?

By applying a reasonable amount of pressure on the respective flight control (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the autopilot system's design allowing pilot override?

To allow the pilot to instinctively correct malfunctions (C) Signup and view all the answers

What type of sensing device can be used as a control wheel steering transducer?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the control wheel steering mode of autopilot operation?

A mode where the pilot provides input signals to the flight control computer (C) Signup and view all the answers