Turbine Interlock Schematic: Understand Autopilot Interlocks

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Questions and Answers

What happens to the control surface when the pilot pulls back on the stick to begin a climb?

It remains stationary

It moves down

It moves up (correct)

It oscillates

What is the purpose of the actuator unit in the power-operated control system?

To supply power to move the control surface (correct)

To pivot the control lever about point X

To provide artificial feel to the pilot

To connect the pilot's stick to the control surface

What is the connection between the pilot's stick and the control surface in the power-operated control system?

The pilot's stick is connected to the control valve piston

The pilot's stick is directly connected to the control surface

The pilot's stick is connected to the control lever only (correct)

The pilot's stick is connected to the actuator unit

Why is artificial feel introduced in the power-operated control system?

To provide feedback to the pilot Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the power-assisted actuator on the pilot's control of the aircraft?

The pilot's control effort is assisted Signup and view all the answers

Where is the actuator unit connected in the power-operated control system?

To the control surface 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 Signup and view all the answers

What was the original purpose of an autopilot system?

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

What type of autopilot is commonly found on light aircraft?

Single axis autopilot Signup and view all the answers

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

Multi-axis autopilot Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for an autopilot system that controls attitude about the pitch, roll, and yaw axis?

Multi-axis autopilot Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the system that integrates the autopilot and other automatic flight control functions?

Automatic Flight Control System Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of independent autopilot systems required for an Autoland capable aircraft?

Two Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the flight control computer in each autopilot system?

To provide dedicated outputs Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the automatic trim control unit in an autopilot system?

To control the aircraft's trim during autopilot operation Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a dual autopilot installation that provides a warning and allows the aircraft to default to a stable condition should a single input failure occur?

Fail Passive Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of a single autopilot disengagement in an Autoland capable aircraft with a fail passive installation?

The automatic landing cannot continue Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical mounting arrangement for the computer units of an autopilot system?

Rack mounted Signup and view all the answers

What must be closed for the pilot to engage the autopilot?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the engage switch is moved to autopilot?

The engage interlock relay is energised, providing power to the servo clutches Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the engage switch hold-in coil?

To maintain the engage switch in the autopilot position Signup and view all the answers

What will cause the autopilot to disengage?

Loss of power or operation of a disengage switch Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the power monitoring relays?

To monitor the power supply Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial state of the autopilot when engaged?

Maintaining the current attitude of the aircraft Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Flight Management Computer (FMC)?

To integrate various aircraft systems Signup and view all the answers

Which system uses the FMC's outputs for automatic guidance for engine power settings?

Thrust management computer Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the autopilot and autothrottle systems when engaged?

To follow the flight plan as entered by the crew Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following systems does the FMC NOT interface with?

Landing gear system Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the central maintenance computer in relation to the FMC?

It provides maintenance-related information to the FMC Signup and view all the answers

What is displayed on pages 237 and 238 of the training materials?

Graphical representation of the flight plan Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Autopilot Interlock Schematic

For autopilot engagement, captain and co-pilot disengage button switches must be closed, power monitoring relays must be closed, and mach trim coupler relays, auto-trim cut-out switch, and vertical gyro contacts must be closed.
The turn control switch must be in detent, and the mode selector switch must be in MAN to ensure the autopilot maintains the aircraft's attitude.

Autopilot System

The engage switch energizes the engage interlock relay, providing power to the three servo clutches, the engage switch hold-in coil, and the engage relay.
Any loss of power, operation of a disengage switch, or loss of serviceability of Mach trim, auto-trim, or gyro will de-energize the engage switch hold-in coil, causing the engage switch to return to off and all servo clutches to de-energize.

Flight Management Computer (FMC)

The FMC interfaces with various aircraft systems, including fuel quantity and fuel flow systems, radio navigational systems, inertial reference systems, air data systems, thrust management computer, flight control computers, EICAS/ECAM and EFIS systems, air/ground data link systems, and the central maintenance computer.
The FMC provides outputs for automatic guidance for engine power settings with the autopilot and autothrottle systems engaged.

Autopilot and Autothrottle Systems

With the autopilot and autothrottle systems engaged, the aircraft will follow the flight plan as entered by the crew prior to the flight commencing.
Multiple autopilot engagement is possible for approach and landing, with autothrottle operation.

Computer Flight Control

An aircraft may be fitted with one, two, or three independent autopilot systems, depending on the operator's requirements.
Each autopilot system has a dedicated flight control computer receiving dedicated inputs and providing its own outputs.

Autoland and Multiple Autopilots

An aircraft capable of Autoland requires a minimum of two totally independent autopilots.
Fail Passive is a dual autopilot installation that provides a warning and allows the aircraft to default to a stable condition should a single input failure occur.

Power-Operated Control

In a power-operated control system, the pilot's stick is connected to the control lever only, while the actuator unit is directly connected to the control surface.
The effort required by the pilot to move the pilot's stick is that needed to move the control lever and control valve piston.
The power required to move the control surface is supplied solely by the actuator unit's hydraulic power.

Artificial Feel

In a power-operated control system, a means of artificial feel must be introduced at a point between the pilot's stick and the connection to the actuator unit control lever.
The elevator artificial feel computer increases the spring pressure on the yellow valve and increases the regulated pressure to increase the force opposing the control column when the horizontal stabilizer is near its outer limits of movement.

Autopilot Introduction

The original use of an autopilot was to provide pilot relief during tedious stages of flight, such as high-altitude cruising.
Advanced autopilots are now part of the Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) and can carry out highly precise maneuvers, such as landing an aircraft (Autoland) or operating throttles (Autothrottle).
Autopilots can be classified as single axis, multi-axis, or by the number of axes about which control is implemented.

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Description

This quiz covers the conditions required to engage the autopilot in a turbine aeroplane, including the necessary switches and relays that must be closed. It is a part of the CASA Part 66 training materials and focuses on aeroplane systems and structures. Test your knowledge of autopilot systems and their safety features.

Autopilot Interlock Schematic for Turbine Aeroplanes

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