Autoflight

Question 1

From left to right what are the Flight Mode Annunciator (FMA) categories?

(SM)

Answer 1

Autothrottle, Roll, Pitch

Question 2

How is Control Wheel Steering indicated?

(SM)

Answer 2

Pushing the CWS switch light engages the A/P pitch and roll axis in the CWS mode and displays CWS P and CWS R on the FMA’s

Question 3

How is independent flight director operation indicated?

(SM)

Answer 3

Illumination of both MA lights (Master). When the mode terminates only the MA light illuminates on the master F/D side.

Question 4

When do the flight directors operate independently?

(SM)

Answer 4

Both F/D on, Manual flight, TO/GA engaged while below 400’ RA

OR

APP mode engaged with LOC and G/S captured.

Question 5

Except for when APP modes (LOC/GS) are active, how many autopilots may be engaged at once?

(SM)

Answer 5

One, unless APP is engaged.

Dual A/P operation provides control through landing flare and touchdown, or an automatic go-around.

Question 6

What will cause the A/P to disengage?

(SM)

Answer 6

Pushing either A/P Disengage switch

Column / Wheel force override.

On approach / non approach phase of flight the AFDS will maintain active pitch and roll modes with F/D guidance.

Pushing either TO/GA switch with a single A/P engaged in CWS or CMD below 2000’ RA

Pushing either TO/GA switch with a single A/P engaged in CWS or CMD above 2000’ RA with flaps not up or G/S engaged.

1 second after stick shaker if the A/P is engaged in ALT HLD, VNAV PTH in a level segment

If Flaps 15 or greater

Question 7

When will the STAB OUT OF TRIM light illuminate?

(SH)

Answer 7

• When A/P is engaged and the stabilizer is not being trimmed properly by the A/P
• A partial failure of the FCC, when on the ground after landing and speed less than 30 knots.

Question 8

What does a flashing amber A/T alert light indicate?

(SH)

Answer 8

Airspeed differs from commanded value of +10 or -5 and is not approaching commanded value in flight with flaps not fully retracted.

Question 9

Which system provides N1 limit for the A/T?

(SH)

Answer 9

FMC MCDU selected N1 limit.

Question 10

What is the auto throttle mode when the pitch mode is V/S?

(SH)

Answer 10

Speed mode - set to maintain value in speed window.

Question 11

The bank angle selector will limit the angle of bank in which modes?

(SH)

Answer 11

HDG SEL or VOR.

(relevant at high altitude when given a heading then a return to a fix or course where the A/P will bank to full authority)

Question 12

How is LOC and GS modes armed?

(SH)

Follow up: When APP has been selected and LOC and GS are captured, how does one reset the AFDS to fly a new Pitch/Course. (Think soft go around when an ILS is in progress).

Answer 12

APP (when not illuminated) is pushed. Arms AFDS for localizer and glideslope capture.

Follow up:

• Pushing TO/GA (results in initial pitch up to 15 degrees on F/D and GA power)
• Disengaging A/P and turning off both F/D switches
• Retuning the NAV receiver

After one of these, then set now preferred Pitch / Roll guidance.

Question 13

When is an altitude deviation alert provided?

(SH)

Answer 13

Deviation over 200’ from selected altitude.

• Momentary tone
• Altitude box on tape flashes amber

Continues until deviation is < 200’ or more than 900’
Or a new altitude is selected,

Question 14

What does THR HLD on the FMA indicate?

(SH)

Answer 14

THR HOLD at 84 kts on takeoff, servos are inhibited.

At 800’ RA THR HLD goes away, and servos adjust power.

• If a RTO occurs before THR HLD illuminates, the CA retards thrust to idle and does not disconnect A/T, the thrust levers will be pushed back up to takeoff N1 by the A/T. After THR HLD is illuminated, the thrust levers would stay at idle.

The procedure is to always disconnect the A/T on an RTO.

Question 15

After TO/GA is selected on a 2 engine go around, the FD commands an initial pitch altitude of ___ degrees?

(SH)

Answer 15

15 degrees, until a programmed rate of climb is reached.

THEN the F/D commands a target airspeed for each flap setting based on maximum takeoff weight calculations.

Question 16

On a go around with A/T armed, after the first push of either TO/GA switch, the thrust levers advance to reduced go around to produce what rate of climb?

(SH)

Answer 16

Thrust advances toward reduced go-around N1 to produce 1000-2000 fpm climb.

Question 17

On a single engine go around, a push of either TO/GA switch will command an initial pitch attitude of ____ pitch up?

(SM)

Answer 17

13°, then target airspeed according to the IAS / Mach display and the airspeed cursor.

Question 18

What occurs at minimum speed revision?

(SM)

Answer 18

AFDS and A/T do not control a speed less than minimum speed for the current flap configuration. This speed is approximately:

1.3 x Vs, Minimum Speed
FMC Speed,or
Selected Speed

whichever is higher then becomes the AFS commanded speed. If the actual speed becomes equal or slightly less than minimum speed, the underspeed symbol appears in the MCP IAS/MACH display, and if the V/S mode (flaps 10 or less) or CWS, the AFDS reverts to LVL CHG.

The AFDS will also revert to LVL CHG from VPATH if the path is not in a level segment.

AFDS commands a speed 5 kts greater then minimum speed. Reaching this speed activates normal MCP speed selection control. The AFDS commands nose-down pitch to increase airspeed if the thrust levers are not advanced. When the actual airspeed is 5kts greater than minimum speed the underspeed limiting symbol appears.