Electrical Gyroscopes in Aviation

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What is an advantage of electrically powered gyros over air-driven gyros?

They consume more power from the aircraft power supply

They require less maintenance effort (correct)

They provide a less rigid gyroscopic reference

They are driven by a vacuum system

What is a design consideration for gyroscope rotors to increase inertia?

Concentrating the mass of the rotor near the periphery (correct)

Increasing the size of the stator

Concentrating the mass of the rotor at the center

Using a DC motor instead of an AC motor

What is the function of the housing in an electric gyro construction?

To carry the motor assembly (correct)

To form the front cover glass

To support the outer gimbal ring

To support the rear casting

What is the advantage of AC electrically powered gyros over air-driven gyros?

They can run at a faster speed Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the squirrel cage induction motor in an electric gyro?

To drive the rotor Signup and view all the answers

What is the configuration of the rotor and its bearings in an electric gyro?

The rotor rotates outside the stator Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the pull-to-cage knob in the older artificial horizon design?

To re-align the gyro in straight and level flight Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the white dividing line in the stabilised spherical element?

To separate the climb and descent attitudes Signup and view all the answers

What is the range of climb attitudes indicated by the blue half of the spherical element?

Up to 80° Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the miniature aircraft symbol in the artificial horizon?

To provide a 'trailing view' of the aircraft's attitude Signup and view all the answers

What is the indication of the horizon bar when the aircraft is climbing?

It moves towards the bottom of the plate Signup and view all the answers

What is the bank angle indicated by in the stabilised spherical element?

A pointer and scale Signup and view all the answers

Where is the pointer positioned when the direction has been satisfied?

Vertically through the centre position of the horizon disc Signup and view all the answers

What does the pitch command knob allow the pilot to adjust?

The aircraft's level flight attitude Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the command bars when the mode selector is off?

They are removed from view Signup and view all the answers

What type of information does the flight director computer process from the HIS?

Compass heading and desired course information Signup and view all the answers

How many command or steering pointers are driven by the output from the flight director computer?

Two Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the conventional meter movements in the navigation mode?

To position the glideslope, localiser, and flight director steering command pointer Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between the turn coordinator and the turn indicator?

The turn coordinator indicates a turn before the aircraft starts yawing, whereas the turn indicator does not. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the notice written on the bottom of the turn coordinator?

To remind pilots that the instrument only provides turn information. Signup and view all the answers

Why should gyros be handled delicately?

Because they can be easily damaged and become inaccurate or unserviceable. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended procedure when handling gyros?

Handle them like rotten eggs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the caging button on a vacuum direction gyro?

To lock the two gimbals together Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the readout on a heading indicator and a direction gyro?

The DG readout is opposite to the way a pilot would normally visualise a change in heading Signup and view all the answers

What should never be done when handling a gyro?

Removing it while it is spinning or running down. Signup and view all the answers

Why should some older gyro systems not be moved for up to 30 minutes after power disconnection?

To prevent damage to the gyro or gimbal assemblies. Signup and view all the answers

On a direction gyro, what is the direction of the 330° mark relative to north?

To the right of north Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of the heading indicator over the direction gyro?

It removes the confusion from the display Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of remote mounting the horizontal spin axis directional gyro?

To connect it to the Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) Signup and view all the answers

What is the similarity between the vertical axis gyro and the horizontal spin axis directional gyro?

Both are remotely mounted Signup and view all the answers