Aircraft Gyroscopes and Instruments

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What is the primary function of a gimbal in a gyroscope?

To universally mount the rotor

To detect movement about the plane of spin

To provide freedom of movement about one or more perpendicular axes (correct)

To rotate the rotor rapidly about its spin axis

A gyroscope has how many degrees of freedom?

Three (correct)

Four

One

Two

What is the purpose of the inner gimbal in a gyroscope?

To pivot the frame and create the second axis of freedom (correct)

To provide tilting freedom about the axis of tilt

To provide spinning freedom about the axis of spin

To provide veering freedom about the axis of veer

What is the result of a gyro not having a gimbal to provide freedom about the other two axes?

The gyro has no freedom about the other two axes Signup and view all the answers

What is the axis of spin in a gyroscope?

The line from X to X1 Signup and view all the answers

Why can a gyro not detect movement about its plane of spin?

Because it is spinning rapidly about its axis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of caging an attitude gyro during aerobatic manoeuvres?

To prevent damage to the instrument Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum pitch attitude limit for modern attitude gyro instruments?

85 degrees nose up or nose down from level flight Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a caging knob in a directional gyro?

To reset the magnetic heading Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of high-speed, self-erecting mechanisms in modern attitude gyro instruments?

They eliminate the need for manual caging Signup and view all the answers

What is the source of air pressure or vacuum for air-driven gyro rotors?

Engine-driven pump Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between older and modern attitude gyro instruments?

Modern instruments have complete freedom in the roll axis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of pressurised air or vacuum air in air-driven gyro systems?

To spin the gyro rotor to speed and reference the gyro to the Earth Signup and view all the answers

What is a major disadvantage of vacuum-driven gyroscopic instruments at high altitudes?

Decrease in rotor speeds affecting gyroscopic stability Signup and view all the answers

What is a common issue with the venturi system used in early aircraft to provide vacuum for gyros?

It does not produce suction until the aircraft achieves a reasonable airspeed Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for using filters in air-driven gyro systems?

To prevent contamination from entering the gyro Signup and view all the answers

What is the unit of measurement used to describe the level of vacuum produced by the venturi system?

Inches of mercury Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue with the air passing through bearings in air-driven gyro systems?

It can cause contamination by corrosion and dirt particles Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the connections on the case of a gyro when it is supplied with air pressure?

They are reversed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of orifice 'B' in the flapper door erection system?

To allow air to escape and provide a precessing force. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major problem associated with air-driven instruments?

Dirt and dust accumulation. Signup and view all the answers

What type of power supply is required by high-speed rotors in electrically-driven gyros?

115-V, 400Hz, three-phase AC. Signup and view all the answers

What type of power supply can be used by lower speed rate gyros?

14/28-V DC. Signup and view all the answers

What type of current is used in later types of turn and bank indicators?

Alternating current. Signup and view all the answers

How quickly can some newer aircraft gyros with dynamic braking run down?

Within 1 minute Signup and view all the answers

What is a major problem with air-driven instruments?

Dirt and dust Signup and view all the answers

When caging a gyro, what should be aligned at 90° to each other?

The gimbals Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended way to transport a gyro to and from the aircraft?

In its original shipping container Signup and view all the answers

Why should gyros be handled carefully?

Because they are delicate and can be damaged Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum amount of foam rubber required between the gyroscope and the shipping container's outer shell when shipping a gyro?

100 mm Signup and view all the answers