Gyroscopic Systems and Air-Driven Gyro Components

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What is the primary function of pressurised air or vacuum air in air-driven gyro systems?

To lubricate the gyro bearings

To generate electricity for the gyro system

To spin the gyro rotor up to speed and reference the gyro to the Earth (correct)

To cool the gyro rotor

What is a disadvantage of vacuum operation in gyroscopic instruments at high altitudes?

Increased rotor speed

Decreased gyroscopic stability due to lower atmospheric pressure (correct)

Reduced weight due to fewer pipelines

Improved contamination control

What is a potential problem with air passing through bearings in gyro systems?

Contamination by corrosion and dirt particles (correct)

Overheating of the rotor

Increased air pressure

Reduced rotor speed

What was the primary limitation of the venturi system used in early aircraft to provide vacuum for gyros?

Suction was only achieved at high airspeeds Signup and view all the answers

What did the size of the venturi system refer to?

The amount of vacuum produced in inches of mercury Signup and view all the answers

Why are filters important in air-driven gyro systems?

To prevent contamination and dramatically shorten the gyro's serviceable life Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical frequency of the AC electric supply used in gyros?

400-Hz Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the finger contact assemblies in AC electric gyros?

To provide a path for the three-phase supply to the gyro stator Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate speed of the rotor in an AC electric gyro?

20 000–23 000 rpm Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of DC gyro systems over AC systems?

Rugged, light-weight instrument Signup and view all the answers

What is used to indicate power supply failure in an AC electric gyro?

A solenoid-actuated flag Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the flux valve in a remote indicating compass system?

To maintain the alignment of the gyro to the Earth's magnetic field Signup and view all the answers

What type of instrument is the Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) considered?

Integrated instrument Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary indicator of the Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI)?

Gyro stabilised magnetic compass card Signup and view all the answers

What inputs can the Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) receive from?

Radio navigation systems, air data systems and heading reference systems Signup and view all the answers

What does the pilot have control over in the Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI)?

The data to be displayed on the instrument Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of the flux valve in a remote indicating compass system?

It removes the need for the pilot to update the card heading Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the precession force when the turning motion ends?

It is removed Signup and view all the answers

What determines the direction of the pointer's movement in the turn-and-slip indicator?

The direction of turn Signup and view all the answers

What controls the rotor speed in an air-driven turn-and-slip indicator?

A regulator in the supply line Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the restraining spring in the turn-and-slip indicator?

To allow the indicator to display turns to the left or right Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the centrifugal cut-outs in an electrically-powered turn-and-slip indicator?

To control the rotor speed Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the gimbal when the rate of turn is increased?

It tilts further against spring pressure Signup and view all the answers

When are the wings aligned to the turn indicator marks?

During a rate 1 turn Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the spring restraint in the rate gyroscope?

To prevent the gyroscope from moving excessively Signup and view all the answers

How does the rate gyroscope indicate the direction of the bank?

By moving the aircraft symbol to indicate the direction of the bank Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the annotation 'no pitch information' on the indicator scale?

To avoid confusion in pitch control Signup and view all the answers

How does the pilot control the turn to the required rate?

By aligning the aircraft symbol with the graduations on the outer scale Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the ball-type indicating element remaining centred?

Coordination of the turn Signup and view all the answers