Aircraft Gyroscopes and Aerodynamics

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What is the result of a higher rate of movement on a gyro?

No inertial force is applied
Greater inertial force is applied (correct)
Less inertial force is applied
The same amount of inertial force is applied

What are the two essential reference datums established by aircraft gyroscopes?

Latitude and longitude, and directional changes
Altitude and airspeed, and directional changes
Temperature and humidity, and directional changes
Pitch and roll attitude changes, and directional changes (correct)

How do gyroscopes maintain a stabilised reference datum?

By applying a fixed torque to the gyroscope
By using the fundamental properties of rigidity and precession (correct)
By ignoring the movement of the supporting body
Through the effects of apparent and real drift

What is the purpose of applying fixed torques to a horizontal-axis gyroscope?

To control the effects of drift (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of precession on a gyroscope?

It causes the gyroscope to change direction (D) Signup and view all the answers

How can a gyroscope be referenced to the centre of the Earth?

By referencing the gyro to the centre of the Earth (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a major limitation of a simple direct current damping system in a gyro?

Insufficient inertia for an artificial horizon (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of alternating current over direct current in a gyro?

Greater inertia and rigidity (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to wait at least 30 minutes before removing a gyro from an aircraft?

To avoid damaging the gimbals and bearings (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of alternating current in a gyro?

More complex construction (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common problem associated with direct current damping systems in gyros?

Commutator and brush wear (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a general characteristic of gyros in terms of their power source?

They are sensitive to changes in power supply (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the pendulous vane assembly in the fixed sky plate artificial horizon?

To generate a torque to precess the gyro (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the mechanical stop in the fixed sky plate artificial horizon?

To prevent gimbal lock (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the roll angle pointer in the fixed sky plate artificial horizon?

To read the roll angle against a fixed scale (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the sky plate in the fixed sky plate artificial horizon?

To provide a fixed reference for the roll angle pointer (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the air used to rotate the gyro rotor escape in the fixed sky plate artificial horizon?

Through the opened slots (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the inner or outer gimbal not being at vertical in the fixed sky plate artificial horizon?

One vane of a pair covers the slot, while the other vane opens the slot (A) Signup and view all the answers

What determines the direction of the pointer's movement in an air-driven turn-and-slip indicator?

The direction of precession force (C) Signup and view all the answers

What governs the rotor speed in an air-driven turn-and-slip indicator?

The regulator in the supply line (D) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the gimbal when the rate of turn is increased?

It tilts further against spring pressure (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the restraining spring in an air-driven turn-and-slip indicator?

To allow the indicator to display turns to the left or right (A) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the gyro when the turning motion ends?

It returns to its original attitude (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the centrifugal cut-outs in an electrically-powered turn-and-slip indicator?

To regulate the rotor speed (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the lubber line on the horizontal situation indicator?

To indicate the nose of the aircraft (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'mag' or 'true' flag indicate behind the lubber line?

The type of heading information being displayed (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the course pointer on the horizontal situation indicator?

To indicate the selected bearing to the station or waypoint (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is an additional feature that an Electronic Horizontal Situation Indicator (EHSI) may offer?

A moving map display with superimposed weather radar information (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the source of the aircraft heading information on the horizontal situation indicator?

The inertial navigation system (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the heading bug on the horizontal situation indicator?

To indicate the desired heading (A) Signup and view all the answers