Ammeters and Voltmeters
Monitors PERFORMANCE of electricla system of A/C
Instruments provided in DC and AC power generating systems; most instances are of permanent magnet moving-coil type.
Shunts
Used in conjunction w/ ALL DC SYSTEM AMMETERS and in AC ammeters where specified.
Main purpose is to PERMIT an Ammeter to measure large number of possible values of current; acting as range extension devices.
Power Meters
Usual to provide INDICATION of total power generated and/or total reactive power
Separate instruments can be used; one calibrated to read in Watts, other calibrated to read in Volt-Amperes Reactive (Var’s)
Watt/Var meter is combined version.
Warning and Indication Lights
- Warning Lights
- Caution Lights
- Indicating or Advisory Lights
Warning and Indication Lights
Warning Lights
Designed to alert flight crew of UNSAFE CONDITIONS and are colored RED.
Warning and Indicating Lights
Caution Lights
AMBER in color to indicate ABNORMAL but NOT ALWAYS DANGEROUS conditions requiring caution
e.g. Low hydraulic system pressure.
Warning and Indicating Lights
Indicating or Advisory Lights
Either GREEN or BLUE provided to INDICATE that a system is operable or has assumed SAFE CONDITION
e.g. Landing gear down and locked.
Central Warning Systems
System comprises of CENTRALIZED GROUP OF WARNING and INDICATOR LIGHTS connected to signal circuits actuated by appropriate systems
Installed w/in pilot’s visual range.
Electronic Display Systems
> Data necessary for IN-FLIGHT OPERATION of A/C and systems and also for maintenance is processed by HIGH-STORAGE CAPACITY COMPUTERS and then presented **cathode ray tube display units. **
Aircraft Lighting System
Interior Lighting System
Variety of interior lights found on modern A/C including instrument lights, overhead lights, step lights, reading lights, and others.
Can be divided into two categories: Incandescent and Fluorescent
Aircraft Lighting System
Exterior Lighting System
Examples include Position, Landing, Taxi, Anti-Collision, and Wing Inspection Lights
Different types include: Incandescent, Halogen, and Xenon
Aircraft Lighting System
Position / Navigation Lights
Used to indicate location and movement of an A/C during NIGHT OPS
Different colors of position lights can help operator detect if A/C is stationary of moving.
Aircraft Lighting System
Anti-Collision Lights
Found in two basic styles depending on age of A/C
Older A/C make use of ROTATING BEACON
Newer A/C make use of SOLID STATE ELECTRONICS to create flashing or strobe-type anti-collision light
Aircraft Lighting System
Landing and Taxi Lights
Provides NIGHT VISIBILITY for landing and taxiing
Landing Lights point FORWARD and slightly DOWN
Taxi Lights point mostly STRAIGHT FORWARD while in a level attitude
Used to avoid FOD or Foreign Object Debris
Aircraft Lighting System
Wing Inspection Lights
Directed toward the wing surfaces in order to allow the Pilot to have a visual inspection of the wing during night operations.
This allows the pilot to monitor the wing if there are any ice build-ups.
Maintenance and Inspection of Lighting Systems
Often includes Periodic Inspections for Chafing and Hardware Security, Corrosion of Components, and General Condition of Circuit
Most needed is often LAMP REPLACEMENT, of which most critical task is INSTALLATION OF CORRECT BULB
Maintenance and Inspection of Lighting Systems
Electrical Safety
Working with any lighting system, especially flashing lamps or strobes can cause fatality due to high voltage.
Best Practice: Allow LIGHTING CIRCUIT to sit in OFF position for 5 mins before maintenance.
Maintenance and Inspection of Lighting Systems
Importance of Manual
Troubleshooting, maintenance, and inspection can all be properly done using the manufacturer’s manual to ensure safety, especially for circuits installed after A/C manufacture date.
