Electronic Instrument Systems Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary challenge with early instrument panel layouts?

Pilots found it difficult to understand the purpose of the instruments.

The arrangement of instruments varied greatly between aircraft, making it difficult for pilots to adapt. (correct)

The instruments were not accurate enough for safe flight.

Pilots were not trained to use the instruments effectively.

What is the significance of the 'Basic T' configuration in aircraft instrument systems?

It standardized instrument placement, promoting safety and efficiency. (correct)

It was primarily designed for military aircraft.

It was the first system to utilize electronic instruments.

It allowed for the inclusion of more advanced instruments.

Which instrument provides the pilot with information about the aircraft's rate of climb or descent?

Turn Coordinator

Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI) (correct)

Airspeed Indicator (ASI)

Attitude Indicator (AI)

Why was the Turn Coordinator added to the 'Basic T' configuration?

To make it easier for the pilot to maintain a level flight attitude. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Airspeed Indicator (ASI)?

To measure the aircraft's speed relative to the air. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Before the 'Basic T' configuration, what was the primary challenge for pilots flying different types of aircraft?

Pilots struggled to remember the location of specific instruments. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Attitude Indicator (AI)?

To show the aircraft's position relative to the horizon. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a Symbol Generator Unit (SGU)?

To act as the central hub of the electronic display system, processing sensor inputs and transmitting them to displays (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of having multiple Symbol Generators in an aircraft's Electronic Display System?

To provide redundancy in case of a failure in one generator (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of data buses in the Electronic Display System?

To communicate information between the aircraft’s various systems (D) Signup and view all the answers

How many channels of a data bus can be used in an aircraft's display system?

Three (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential advantage of having multiple Symbol Generators receiving data from the same data bus?

It provides redundancy, allowing a functional Symbol Generator to take over if one fails (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS)?

To provide flight crew with information necessary to operate the aircraft. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of using an EFIS display system?

Reduced instrument clutter in the cockpit (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common type of electronic display used in aircraft instruments?

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of display is becoming less common in aircraft due to limitations in reliability, size, and service life?

Cathode ray tube (CRT) displays (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant difference between the Basic T instrument configuration and the configuration found in larger aircraft like the 747 Classic?

Larger aircraft use a more complex configuration with additional instruments and features. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the standby instruments traditionally placed in the center of the instrument panel?

To provide a backup system in case of primary system failure. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the processors and electronic devices used in conjunction with electronic instrument displays?

To interpret the data received from sensors and data buses and generate signals for the display. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the name given to the Artificial Horizon and Directional Gyro in a larger aircraft like the 747 Classic?

Attitude Direction Indicator (ADI) (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a main display system used in aircraft?

Fluid Pressure Indicator (FPI) (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the PFD replace?

Attitude Director Indicator (ADI), Air Speed Indicator (ASI), Machmeter, Compass or Directional Gyro (DG), Altimeter, Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI) (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Navigation Display (ND)?

To integrate terrain information, weather radar information, and traffic information (C) Signup and view all the answers

What information does the PFD display in addition to the basic instruments?

Autopilot mode information, Track, Flight plan, Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) information, Pressure of the day. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym TCAS stand for?

Traffic Collision Avoidance System (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of information does the EGPWS provide?

Terrain information (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the PFD?

To provide pilots with a comprehensive overview of the aircraft's situation (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Resolution Advisory' refer to?

Advice on how to avoid a potential collision with another aircraft (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the PFD and the ND?

The PFD displays situational information while the ND displays navigation information (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the ND enhance situational awareness for pilots?

By displaying the aircraft's position on a map, terrain features, and weather conditions (C) Signup and view all the answers

How can the pilot configure the Navigation Display?

Use the ND in either full rose or variable ranging rings (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does EICAS stand for in the Boeing system?

Engine Indicating and Crew Alert System (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of information is NOT typically displayed on the EADI and EHSI of a Boeing 737?

Engine parameters (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the primary and secondary screens in the Boeing EICAS system?

To show primary and secondary engine data, respectively (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the Airbus flight deck display system?

Engine Indicating and Crew Alert System (EICAS) (D) Signup and view all the answers

What type of information is typically displayed on the PFD and ND of a Boeing 777?

Navigation, altitude, and attitude information (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the ECAM in the Airbus system?

To display engine, system, and synoptic information (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is TRUE about the EICAS in the Boeing system?

It includes both primary and secondary displays. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the Airbus ECAM differ from the Boeing EICAS in terms of information display?

ECAM displays both engine and aircraft system information. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the ND within the context of the provided information?

Presenting navigation and terrain information (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which term best describes the system designed to inform the crew about aircraft status in the Airbus?

ECAM (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Electronic Instrument Systems (5.1)

Learning objectives include describing typical electronic instrument system arrangements and cockpit layouts.

Early Instrument Systems

Early aircraft had basic instruments like clocks (optional), compasses, altimeters, and a simple attitude instrument.
Early instrument panel layouts were often inefficient, with pilots needing to relearn layouts for different aircraft types.

NY2 Husky First Blind Flying Cockpit

Post-1950 aircraft instrument systems were often arranged in a "Basic T" configuration.
This configuration placed essential instruments like Airspeed Indicator (ASI), Attitude indicator (Al), and altimeter in a row.
The compass was located below these instruments.
This arrangement improved situational awareness during poor visibility conditions.

Basic Six Instrument Cluster

Larger aircraft, like the 747 classic, use a similar Basic T configuration.
These configurations include additional instruments like standby instruments and special functions.
These aircraft also often have an Attitude Direction Indicator (ADI) and a Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI).
Standby instruments and engine instrumentation are centrally located for ease of use by both pilots.

Electronic Instrument Display Technology

Common electronic displays types include light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs).
Older systems may utilize Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) technology, but this technology is less common due to its size and reliability.
Electronic displays require processors and data buses to convert sensor data and information into visualizations.

Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS)

EFIS displays all critical flight information on screens instead of traditional instruments.
This reduces the number of items pilots need to monitor, improving situational awareness.
EFIS systems are generally more reliable than mechanical systems.
A cockpit with an EFIS will have interchangeable displays like EADI (Electronic Attitude Director Indicator) or EHSI (Electronic Horizontal Situation Indicator).

PFD and ND

PFD (Primary Flight Display) integrates speed, warnings, altitude with essential flight information on a single screen.
ND (Navigation Display) provides navigation information (ADF, ILS, VOR, flight plan map) and speed/headings in a similar fashion.

Conventional Instruments Replaced by PFD

The PFD replaces many traditional instruments like the Attitude Director Indicator (ADI), Air Speed Indicator (ASI), Machmeter, Compass/Directional Gyro, Altimeter, and Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI), allowing for all the data to be displayed in a single location.
Provides information such as autopilot mode, flight plans, traffic avoidance systems and the pressure of the day.

Multifunction Displays and Digital Data Bus

Multifunction Displays (MFDs) display information from many aircraft systems on a single screen.
Digital data buses (or networks) connect different parts of the aircraft electronically to send and receive data.
Data buses are typically duplicated for redundancy in case one component fails.

Symbol Generators

Symbol generators process sensor information and communicate with displays.
They act as the central processing unit for the display screens.
Multiple symbol generators may be present for redundancy measures.

Basic Operation of Aircraft Display Systems

Symbol generators receive data from the data bus and transmit it to display units.
Displays use multiple data channels for redundancy.
Display systems may use dedicated display buses.

Display System Schematic

Two main types of data (raster and stroke) are displayed.
Raster data is used for displaying continuously measured data (information from the radar).
Stroke data is for displaying discrete elements (like circles or lines on the display).

Electronic Centralised Aircraft Monitoring (ECAM)

ECAM uses a central system to display information from many different aircraft subsystems.
ECAM is typically located in the center of the instrument panel and can be used to display information for both pilots.
Newer systems may allow the display to be selected in place of an EFIS display.

ECAM Control Panel

ECAM panels use push-button and knob controls to select display functions.
Maintenance panels are part of the system for tests and checks.

Engine Indicating and Crew Alert System (Boeing)

EICAS performs engine monitoring and data display for pilots.
Symbology generators are not separate entities in EICAS but performed by the computer systems.

Auxiliary EICAS Display

The lower display shows secondary data and parameters.
Displays change depending on the selected function and the aircraft type.
The lower display in modern systems can also be used for status pages, synoptics, or maintenance pages.

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Description

Explore the evolution of electronic instrument systems in aircraft, focusing on cockpit layouts and typical arrangements. Understand the progression from early instruments to more sophisticated configurations such as the Basic T layout, enhancing pilot situational awareness.