Flight Control Questions

Question 1

What is the only primary flight control that is not FBW (fly-by-wire)

Answer 1

• Ailerons

Question 2

What is the difference between normal mode and direct mode?

Answer 2

• There are no higher level functions available in direct mode

Question 3

What are the higher level functions associated with pitch?

Answer 3

• Gain on speed
• Elevator thrust compensation
• AOA limiting

Question 4

What are the higher level functions associated with yaw?

Answer 4

• Yaw damp
• Turn coordination
• Gain on airspeed - as airspeed increases, rudder deflection decreases

Question 5

What is the priority for the trim system?

Answer 5

• Back-up
• Captain
• First officer
• Autopilot

Question 6

How is roll controlled?

Answer 6

• Ailerons and multifunction spoilers (outer 3 spoilers on each wing)

Question 7

How many spoiler are on each wing? What are their functions?

Answer 7

• 5
• 3 outboard multifunction spoilers are used to assist in roll control, as speed brakes, and as ground spoilers
• 2 inboard spoilers are only used as ground spoilers

Question 8

When will the speed brakes automatically close even if the lever shows deployed?

Answer 8

• Slat/flaps selected to 2 or greater
• Airspeed < 180 its
• TLA > 70

Question 9

What is the flap/slat extension/retraction sequence?

Answer 9

• Slats extend first

- Flaps retract first

Question 10

Will loss of airspeed data cause the flight controls to go into DIRECT mode?

Answer 10

• Yes

Question 11

Can a FCM override pilot input?

Answer 11

• No, the pilot always has supreme control

Question 12

What happens to artificial fell if flight controls are disconnected?

Answer 12

• Artificial feel is felt at 1/2 the normal load

Question 13

How are the flight controls trimmed?

Answer 13

• Roll & Yaw ailerons and rudder surface repositioned to a new neutral position
• Pitch horizontal stabilizer

Question 14

Will the multifunction spoilers function in DIRECT mode?

Answer 14

Yes, for roll only and a default fixed gain

Question 15

Will the speed brake/ground spoilers function in DIRECT mode?

Answer 15

• No

Question 16

What happens to the flight control system when the RAT is the only AC power source?

Answer 16

• Horizontal stab tim operates at LO SPEED
• Slat/Flap system operates at LO SPEED
• Slat/Flap position is limited to 3 to allow adequate airspeed for the RAT