Chapter A02 - Autopilot

Question 1

Autopilot is classified according to the?

Answer 1

number of axes it controls

Question 2

Autopilots can be classified as?

Answer 2

• Single Axis - roll only (wing leveller)
• Two Axis - pitch and roll
• Three Axis:
  
  • pitch and roll - primary control
  • yaw – stability

Question 3

How do you know if you have selected something on the autopilot?

Answer 3

Its displayed on the FMA

Question 4

Servomechanisms are defined as _____ control systems in which a ____ power input controls a much ____ power output in a strictly proportional manner.

Answer 4

• closed-loop
• small
• larger

Question 5

Servo-actuators may be connected to the normal flight control system in Series
or in Parallel.

Series - _______

Parallel - _______

Answer 5

• Series does not move the pilot’s control column or foot pedals when the flying
  surfaces are moved.
• Parallel moves the pilot’s controls when the surfaces are moved.

Question 6

Automatic synchronisation is to do with?

Answer 6

The smooth engagement of the autopilot

Question 7

Automatic Trim System :

• Provides a smooth take over when ____, returning the aircraft to the pilot in a trimmed condition…
• Prevents _____
• Reduces _____
• A/P won’t ____ if auto-trim system not working properly
• EASA – auto-trim uses a hydraulic _____ on horizontal stabilizer

Answer 7

• disengaging A/P
• “Control Snatch”
• trim drag
• engage
• screw jack

Question 8

The A/P will only disengage if you purposefully disengage it by pressing:

Answer 8

• Autopilot disengage button on yoke
• The illuminated MCP autopilot button
• The MCP autopilot disengage bar
• Activate either pilot’s trim switch
• Pushing TOGA button

Question 9

Autopilot disengagement is accompanied by ?

Answer 9

Aural and visual warnings

Question 10

In an autopilot system, the terms “engaged” and “armed” refer to different states of operation.

Answer 10

Engaged Mode: When the autopilot is in the engaged mode, it means that the autopilot system is actively controlling the aircraft’s flight controls to maintain a specific flight mode or follow a predetermined flight path. In this mode, the autopilot takes over the control of the aircraft from the pilot. The engaged mode is typically indicated by a specific mode annunciator or display on the autopilot control panel.

Armed Mode: When the autopilot is in the armed mode, it means that the autopilot system is ready to engage a specific mode or action but has not yet taken control of the aircraft’s flight controls. In this mode, the autopilot is actively monitoring the aircraft’s parameters, such as altitude, heading, or navigation inputs, in preparation for engagement. Once the specified conditions are met, the autopilot will transition from the armed mode to the engaged mode.

Question 11

Functions related to aeroplane guidance are?

Answer 11

• IAS or Mach number holding
• Altitude holding
• Following a glideslope
• VOR axis holding

Question 12

Stability of an autopilot system is related to?

Answer 12

Movements around the C of G

Question 13

The components of an autopilot system are?

Answer 13

• Actuators
• Mode control panel
• Mode annunciator panel

Question 14

Stabilization modes of the autopilot system
(Spiderman vs Batman: Peter Wins)

Answer 14

Stabilization:
1) Vertical Speed
2) Bank Angle hold
3) Pitch angle hold
4) Wings level

Question 15

Lateral guidance modes of the autopilot system
(Lex Luthor Has The FLying Warsuit:)

Answer 15

Lateral Guidance:
1) Localiser Intercept and hold/track
2) Heading hold
3) Track Hold
4) FMS Lateral Navigation
5) Wing Level hold

Question 16

Vertical guidance modes of the autopilot system
(Valhalla: A Fictional Place, With Freaking Valkyries Guarding it Maliciously:)

Answer 16

Vertical Guidance:
1) Altitude hold
2) Flight Path angle hold
3) Wing level
4) FMS Vertical Navigation
5) Glide slope intercept and track
6) IAS or Mach Number hold

Question 17

What is the mnemonic for Vertical guidance modes of the autopilot system?

Answer 17

(Valhalla: A Fictional Place, With Freaking Valkyries Guarding it Maliciously:)

Question 18

What is the mnemonic for Lateral guidance modes of the autopilot system?

Answer 18

(Lex Luthor Has The FLying Warsuit:)

Question 19

What is the mnemonic for Stabilization modes of the autopilot system?

Answer 19

(Spiderman vs Batman: Peter Wins)

Question 20

Autopilot system

Answer 20