Chapter 15: Warning Systems

Question 1

Recall the conditions that will cause the Intermittent Takeoff Configuration Warning.

Answer 1

• Trailing edge flaps are not in the flaps 1-25 takeoff range, or are in a skew or asymmetry condition, or have uncommanded motion, or
• Leading edge devices are not configured for takeoff or uncommanded motion, or
• SPEED BRAKE lever is not in the DOWN position, or
• Spoiler control valve is open providing pressurized hydraulic fluid to the ground spoiler interlock valve, or
• Parking brake is set, or
• Stabilizer trim not set in the takeoff range. (green band)

Question 2

Describe the function of the Stall Warning System “Stick Shaker”.

Answer 2

The stall warning “stick shaker” consists of two eccentric weight motors, one on each control column. They are designed to alert the pilots before a stall develops (is an artificial stall warning device).

Note: The Stall Warning System is armed in flight at all times. The system is deactivated on the ground. (Two test switches are installed on the aft overhead panel.)

Question 3

Describe the symbology and color represented by a TA (traffic advisory) and a RA. (resolution advisory)

Answer 3

TA- An amber circle.
RA- A red square.

Question 4

Recall the purpose of the GPWS and the types of alerts it provides.

Answer 4

GPWS provides immediate alerts for potentially hazardous flight conditions involving imminent impact with the ground.

Note: The alerts are for:

• excessive descent rate.
• excessive terrain closure rate.
• altitude loss after takeoff or go-around.
• unsafe terrain clearance when not in the landing configuration.
• excessive deviation below an ILS glide slope.
• excessive deviation below glidepath.

Question 5

Recall when Predictive Windshear (PWS) alerts are automatically available on takeoff and approach.

Answer 5

• Thrust levers set for takeoff, (there is a delay of several seconds for the weather radar to provide PWS alerts) or
• In flight below 1,200 feet RA).

Note: Predictive windshear alerts can be enabled prior to takeoff by pushing the EFIS control panel WXR switch.

Question 6

Describe the meaning of the terrain alerting colors displayed by the EGPWS, and how to display them on the ND.

Answer 6

Terrain is displayed by selecting TERR on the EFIS control panel while in the MAP, center MAP, VOR, or APP modes.

• Dotted green: terrain is below the airplane’s current altitude.
• Dotted red or amber: represents terrain conflict.
• Dotted magenta: no terrain data available.
• Solid amber: look-ahead terrain caution active.
• Solid red: look-ahead terrain warning active.

Question 7

Describe the indications of a Windshear Warning (Airplane in Windshear).

Answer 7

• Two-tone siren followed by “WINDSHEAR”.
• Red WINDSHEAR on both attitude indicators.

Question 8

Describe the indications of a Predictive Windshear Warning Alert.

Answer 8

Red WINDSHEAR msg.
On Takeoff – windshear close to and directly ahead of the airplane:
- Aural “WINDSHEAR AHEAD”.
- Red WINDSHEAR on both attitude indicators.
- RED windshear symbol on ND.
- Red WINDSHEAR message on ND.

On Approach – windshear within 1.5 NM and directly ahead of the airplane:

• Aural “GO AROUND, WINDSHEAR AHEAD”.
• Red WINDSHEAR on both attitude indicators.
• RED windshear symbol on ND.
• Red WINDSHEAR message on ND.

Question 9

Describe the indications of a Predictive Windshear Caution Alert.

Answer 9

Amber WINDSHEAR msg
On Takeoff or Approach – windshear within 3 NM and
ahead of the airplane:
- Aural “MONITOR RADAR DISPLAY”.
- RED windshear symbol on ND.
- Amber WINDSHEAR message on ND.

Question 10

Describe the aircraft Overspeed warning system.

Answer 10

The Mach/Airspeed Warning consists of clackers that can be silenced only by reducing airspeed below Vmo/Mmo.

Question 11

Describe the landing gear indicator lights and the Landing Gear Configuration Warning System.

Answer 11

Visual indications and aural warnings of landing gear position are provided by the landing gear indicator lights and landing gear warning horn.

Landing gear indicator lights
Green light illuminated: Landing gear is down and locked.
Red light illuminated:
- Landing gear is in disagreement with LANDING GEAR lever position.
- Landing gear is not down and locked. (with either or both forward thrust levers retarded to idle, and below 800 feet AGL).

Landing gear warning horn
A steady warning horn is provided to alert the flight crew whenever a landing is attempted and any gear is not down and locked.

Question 12

Recall the indications when approaching a MCP selected altitude.

Answer 12

(1) Selected Altitude Alert – A white box shows around the selected altitude display between 750 feet and 200 feet before reaching the selected altitude.
(2) Current Altitude Alert- The white box around the current altitude display becomes bold between 750 feet and 200 feet before reaching the selected altitude.

Question 13

Recall the indications when deviating from a MCP selected altitude.

Answer 13

When deviating by more than 200 feet from a selected altitude, a momentary tone sounds and the Current Altitude box turns amber and begins to flash. The amber flashing continues until:

• altitude deviation becomes less than 200 feet or
• a new altitude is selected.

Question 14

Explain the meaning of a TERRAIN or OBSTACLE message on the ND.

Answer 14

TERRAIN (amber) – look-ahead terrain caution alert active.
TERRAIN (red) – look-ahead terrain warning alert active.
OBSTACLE (amber) – obstacle alert caution active.
OBSTACLE (red) – obstacle alert warning active.

Note: Obstacle alerts are provided for man-made obstacles 100’ or higher.

Question 15

Describe the TERR (Terrain) Elevation display.

Answer 15

Located on the lower left-hand corner of the ND. Displays elevation of highest and lowest terrain. The color of the elevation number corresponds to the terrain elevation.

• (green) - terrain is below the airplane’s current altitude.
• (amber or red) - represents terrain conflict.

Question 16

Explain the meaning of the PSEU light. (Proximity Switch Electronic Unit)

Answer 16

• a fault is detected in the PSEU, or
• an overwing exit flight lock fails to disengage when commanded.