Automatic Flight Control Systems Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of the Flight Director (FD)?

To autonomously control the aircraft's speed.

To directly control the aircraft's altitude without pilot input.

To assist pilots by providing pitch and roll steering commands. (correct)

To manage fuel consumption during flight.

What is the primary purpose of the Auto Throttle (AT) system in aircraft?

To control the aircraft's yaw movements.

To automate navigation during flight.

To stabilize directional oscillations.

To manage automatic throttle for speed and thrust. (correct)

Which inputs does the Flight Director (FD) utilize for its computations?

Only GPS data.

ADC, compass systems, vertical gyros, and VHF navigation radios. (correct)

Radar altimeter data and flight logs.

Weather data and pilot manual inputs.

What is unique about the Control Wheel Steering (CWS) mode of the Autopilot (AP)?

It allows pilots to manually input commands while receiving assistance. Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of operation does the Auto Throttle automatically set N1 thrust based on environmental factors?

Takeoff Signup and view all the answers

How does the yaw damper stabilize directional oscillations in swept-wing aircraft?

Through rudder deflections via detected oscillations. Signup and view all the answers

Which operational mode of the Flight Director (FD) is focused on maintaining altitude?

Altitude Hold mode. Signup and view all the answers

What feature does the yaw damper utilize to modify its response sensitivity?

Aerodynamic gain programming. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Roll Channel in the Autopilot (AP) manage?

Control of ailerons and spoilers. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Flight Director display commands?

Using a single integrated display showing combined commands. Signup and view all the answers

In which mode does the Flight Director use roll adjustments to guide the aircraft?

Heading Mode Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the Autopilot is responsible for controlling yaw?

Yaw Channel. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of stabilization does the yaw damper specifically address in swept-wing aircraft?

Dutch Roll oscillations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Auto Throttle?

To manage and optimize engine thrust during different phases of flight. Signup and view all the answers

Which component ensures feedback on throttle positions in the Auto Throttle system?

Power Lever Angle (PLA) synchros Signup and view all the answers

During an approach, what does the Flight Director do when transitioning to ILS?

Combines localizer and glideslope capture functions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the disengagement protocols in an aircraft?

To alert pilots visually and audibly about system statuses Signup and view all the answers

Which components are responsible for translating computed commands into physical adjustments of control surfaces?

Servo motors or hydraulic PCUs Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario would the specialized 'Turbulence Mode' in autopilot be most beneficial?

In instances of unstable weather conditions Signup and view all the answers

What role do the enhanced visual displays serve in the flight deck commands?

They combine pitch and roll guidance for intuitive adjustments Signup and view all the answers

What feature allows pilots to regain control of the aircraft in emergencies?

Override mechanisms Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Automatic Flight Control Systems (AFCS)

Flight Director (FD): Provides pitch and roll steering commands for smooth altitude/heading changes. Inputs include ADC, compass, vertical gyros, and VHF navigation. Modes include Heading, VOR/LOC, Approach (manual/automatic), Altitude Hold, Go-Around, and Back Course. Specific functions like VOR/LOC use course deviation and roll attitude for adjustments. Displays include V-Bar (combined pitch/roll) and Split-Cue (independent left/right and up/down). Commands are limited (±12° pitch, varying roll limits), and sensitivity adjustments for narrow glideslopes.

Autopilot (AP)

Function: Electronically controls pitch, roll, and yaw, reducing pilot workload.
Operational Modes: Control Wheel Steering (CWS) where pilot inputs processed to assist flight controls, and Command Mode for fully automated heading/altitude control based on AFCS inputs.
Components: Roll Channel (aileron/spoiler control), Pitch Channel (elevator/stabilizer control), and Yaw Channel (rudder). Servo systems include electro-pneumatic and electro-mechanical/hydraulic for varied precision and redundancy.
Advanced Features: Glideslope deviation attenuation for smooth ILS transitions. Integration with Low Range Radio Altimeter for precision.

Yaw Damper

Purpose: Stabilizes directional oscillations (Dutch Roll), especially in swept-wing aircraft prone to dihedral effects.
Operation: Utilizes rate gyros, yaw damper computer, and hydraulic PCUs to dampen yaw oscillations via rudder deflections. Operates independently of pilot input.
Key Features: Limited rudder movement (2-5°) and gain programming for adjusting response sensitivity depending on flight conditions. Can integrate with pilot rudder input for coordinated turns.

Flight Director and Autopilot Integration

Modes/Functions: Heading, VOR/LOC, Approach, Altitude Hold, Beam Capture.
Inputs: Vertical (altitude/attitude) incl VG, AHRS, IRU, ADC. Lateral (directional) incl Gyros, compass, VHF.
Actuation: Servo motors or hydraulics execute computed commands to physical control surfaces.

Summary of FD Commands

Displays: Combines pitch and roll guidance for intuitive adjustments during all flight phases.
Modes: Supports diverse scenarios, including Back Course and Go-Around.
Error Correction: Steering commands dynamically address deviations from the flight path.

Autopilot Operational Enhancements

Detailed Logic: Advanced interlock systems ensure reliable operation.
Specialized Modes: Turbulence Mode for improved response during unstable conditions, and Altitude Select for precise transition to target altitudes.
Safety Features: Disengagement alerts, warnings, and override mechanisms for manual control in emergencies.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Automatic Flight Control Systems (AFCS), including the Flight Director (FD) and Autopilot (AP) functionalities. This quiz covers operational modes, command inputs, and display features that enhance navigational precision. Ideal for students and professionals in aviation or aerospace engineering.