Gyroscope Applications in Aircraft

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Questions and Answers

What is a major limitation of a simple damping system direct current gyro?

Noise and higher current (correct)

More complex construction and operation

Movement during rundown causing uncontrolled toppling

Higher speed, giving greater inertia and rigidity

What is a benefit of using alternating current in a gyro system?

Greater noise and higher current

Lower cost and less complex construction

Higher speed, giving greater inertia and rigidity (correct)

More reliance on static inverter for AC supply

What should be done before removing a gyro from an aircraft?

Wait for at least 30 minutes after disconnecting the power source (correct)

Turn the gyro on for 10 minutes before removing it

Check the rotor's speed before removing the gyro

Wait for at least 15 minutes after disconnecting the power source

What is a major difference between direct current and alternating current gyros?

Direct current gyros have a lower maximum rotor speed Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of alternating current gyros?

More complex construction and operation Signup and view all the answers

What could happen if a gyro is moved during rundown?

Uncontrolled toppling, damaging gimbals and bearings Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an artificial horizon in an aircraft?

To display the aircraft's pitch and roll attitude Signup and view all the answers

Why is the gyro spin axis maintained in a vertical position or horizontal plane of rotation?

To provide rigidity in lateral and longitudinal axes Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the erection system in a gyro horizon?

To re-align the gyro with respect to gravity Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the gyro in a displacement gyroscope?

To act as a stable point for measuring movement Signup and view all the answers

What would happen to the gyro rotor if power is removed from an electrically driven gyro?

It would slow down very quickly due to electrical or dynamic braking Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reference point for the gyro in an artificial horizon?

The Earth's gravity Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the horizon pointer when the aircraft is at the top of the loop?

It indicates straight and level inverted flight Signup and view all the answers

Why does the entire gyro assembly roll 180° during a loop?

To avoid gimbal lock Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the aircraft symbol when the aircraft recovers to straight and level flight at the bottom of the loop?

It returns to its original attitude Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum pitch angle of the aircraft during a loop?

85° Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the entire gyro assembly spinning 180° during a loop?

The aircraft symbol shows a dive Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of the roll axis in this gyro system?

It has full 360° movement Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason the turn pointer indicates zero when the rotor is spinning and the aircraft is not yawing?

The rotor's property of rigidity maintains the gimbal horizontally Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the gyro when the aircraft yaws and there is no gimbal to permit veer?

The gyro tilts over due to the precessive force Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the precessive force and the spring tension in a turn indicator?

The precessive force is countered by the spring tension Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of high rotor speed on gyro rigidity and the precessive force?

It increases gyro rigidity and the precessive force Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of controlling the rotor speed to a fine tolerance?

To produce accurate readings Signup and view all the answers

Why does the indicator over read when a high rotor speed causes a greater precessive force?

The gyro's rigidity is too high Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of increasing the rate of movement on a gyro?

It increases the inertial force applied to the gyro Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of establishing a reference against which pitch and roll attitude changes may be detected?

To establish a stabilised reference unaffected by movement of the supporting body Signup and view all the answers

How do gyroscopes maintain a stabilised reference datum?

By using the fundamental properties of rigidity Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of applying fixed torques to a horizontal-axis gyroscope?

To correct for drift in the gyroscope Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of referencing a gyroscope to the centre of the Earth?

To correct for drift in the gyroscope Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of precession on a gyroscope?

It changes the direction of the inertial force applied to the gyroscope Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Simple Damping System Limitations and Benefits

Major limitation of simple damping systems in direct current gyros is sensitivity to vibrations and external disturbances, which can affect accuracy.
Benefit of using alternating current in a gyro system includes reduced susceptibility to drift and improved stability over time.

Preparations Before Gyro Removal

Before removing a gyro from an aircraft, ensure power is turned off and all connections are properly disconnected to prevent damage.

Direct Current vs. Alternating Current Gyros

Major difference between direct current and alternating current gyros is that direct current gyros can experience bias errors, while alternating current gyros generally show enhanced response and stability.
Disadvantage of alternating current gyros is increased complexity in design and potential higher cost.

Effects of Gyro Movement and Power Loss

Moving a gyro during rundown could cause misalignment, leading to inaccurate readings and loss of reference.
If power is removed from an electrically driven gyro, the rotor will begin to slow down, resulting in loss of stabilization and accuracy.

Artificial Horizon Function and Gyro Positioning

The primary function of an artificial horizon in an aircraft is to provide a visual indication of the aircraft's orientation relative to the horizon.
Gyro spin axis must be maintained in a vertical position or horizontal plane of rotation to ensure consistent reference and stability during flight.

Erection System Purpose and Gyro Roles

The erection system in a gyro horizon is designed to maintain the gyro in an upright position regardless of aircraft maneuvers.
In a displacement gyroscope, the role of the gyro is to maintain its orientation in space, providing reliable attitude information.

Gyro Dynamics During Flight Maneuvers

When the aircraft is at the top of a loop, the horizon pointer may falsely indicate level flight due to the centrifugal forces acting on the gyro.
The entire gyro assembly rolls 180° during a loop because of the inertial effects acting on the rotor.

Aircraft Symbol and Maximum Pitch Angle

When recovering to straight and level flight at the bottom of a loop, the aircraft symbol adjusts to represent the true horizon position.
Maximum pitch angle during a loop can vary depending on aircraft design and maneuver, but typically will not exceed safe limits for operation.

Gyro Assembly Effects and Indicators

The entire gyro assembly spinning 180° during a loop results in temporary inconsistency in attitude information, which must be recalibrated after extreme maneuvers.
The roll axis in a gyro system offers enhanced stability by reducing the effects of lateral forces on the gyro’s accuracy.

Turn Indicator Mechanics

The turn pointer indicates zero when the rotor is spinning and the aircraft is not yawing due to lack of rotational movement influencing the gyro's reference point.
When the aircraft yaws and there is no gimbal to permit veer, the gyro's precessive response may not align with the intended turn direction.

Precessive Force and Rotor Speed Dynamics

The relationship between precessive force and spring tension in a turn indicator ensures accurate responsiveness to aircraft maneuvers.
High rotor speed increases gyro rigidity and enhances the precessive force, making the gyro more stable during flight.

Rotor Speed Control and Indicator Accuracy

Controlling the rotor speed to a fine tolerance helps maintain accurate readings and reduces errors in gyro performance.
High rotor speed can cause the indicator to overread due to amplified precessive force, leading to incorrect information regarding aircraft orientation.

Gyro Response to Movement

Increasing the rate of movement on a gyro can enhance its responsiveness but may also lead to instability if not properly managed.
Establishing a reference against which pitch and roll attitude changes may be detected is crucial for reliable flight control and navigation.

Gyroscopic Reference and Fixed Torques

Gyroscopes maintain a stabilized reference datum through constant rotation and orientation control.
Applying fixed torques to a horizontal-axis gyroscope increases precision and stabilizes reference points during flight operations.

Earth Center Referencing and Precession Effects

Referencing a gyroscope to the center of the Earth allows for consistent gravitational alignment, enhancing navigation accuracy.
Precession on a gyroscope affects its orientation and can lead to drift if not corrected, impacting navigational reliability.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of gyroscopes in aircraft, including their role in establishing reference datums for pitch and roll attitude changes. Learn about the principles of gyroscope operation and their applications in turbine aeroplanes. Test your knowledge of aerodynamics and aircraft systems.