11. Flight Management/Navigation

Question 1

Recall key components of the Multifunction Control and Display Unit (MCDU)

Answer 1

Light Sensor

Senses ambient light and automatically adjusts display brightness level

Message Light

Illuminates to call attention to FMS-generated messages in the scratchpad, MCDU failures, etc

Misc Keys

CLR – clears scratchpad

/ Key – used to separate data

SP Key – not used

BRT Knob

Rotate – manually adjusts brightness level of CRT

Line Select Keys

Allows entry, selection or deletion of data on an adjacent line

Alpha/Numeric Keys

Push – enters selected characters into scratchpad

Function Keys

Used to select individual pages for managing FMS data input and aircraft performance parameters

Question 2

Recall how to verify the active FMS database is current

Answer 2

Select A/C Status page (either by automatic pop-up with power application or through the REF function key and selecting LSK 5L)

 Check/Confirm current database at LSK 4L

**Note: The active database cannot be changed after engine start

Question 3

Recall MCDU IRS initialization procedures

Answer 3

IRU Selectors – NAV

F-PLAN INIT page – Enter “FROM/TO” at LSK 1R

F-PLAN INIT page – Select “Initialize IRS” at LSK 4R

**Note: If IRUs are in align mode, the “INITIALIZE IRS” prompt changes to POS REF

Question 4

Recall when FMS Speed and PROF will auto-engage if PROF is selected on the ground prior to takeoff

Answer 4

400’ AGL

Question 5

Recall when FMS NAV will auto-engage if NAV is selected on the ground prior to takeoff

Answer 5

100’ AGL

Question 6

Recall when to discontinue using a reduced climb thrust setting (CLB1 or CLB2) and restore normal “CLIMB POWER” during initial climbout

Answer 6

When aircraft climb rate decreases below 1500 fpm or 18,000, whichever occurs first

Question 7

Recall important FMS considerations during a PROF descent approaching 10,000 MSL

Answer 7

During descent, in between 10,000 and 12,000 feet, FMS speed edits above 245 knots will not be honored due to an FMS preloaded 250 KIAS/10K restriction

 As the aircraft approaches 12,000’, it will start a speed reduction to 245 kts – despite any pilot VERT REV constraints entered on the F-PLN between 10,000 and 12,000 feet.

**Example: When ATC-directed to cross a waypoint at 11,000’ and 280 knots—and even though a VERT REV is entered for the aircraft to meet that restriction–the FMS will override the VERT REV as it descends through 12,000’ and slow to 245 kts. Therefore, in this case, the pilot should take speed control away from “FMS SPEED” by pre-selecting 280 knots in the IAS window and pulling the IAS knob to hold the pilot-selected speed.

Question 8

Recall the B717 features dual GPS systems

Answer 8

GPS 1 and GPS 2 systems each provide satellite positioning info to the aircraft VIAs

Question 9

Recall the B717 features dual DME systems

Answer 9

Identifiers of DMEs currently providing update data to the VIAs are displayed on the MCDU NAVAID pages 2/3, 3/3

Question 10

Recall the B717 features dual VOR systems

Answer 10

Two VOR receivers are normally tuned automatically by the VIA flight management computing function—but can be tuned manually using the MCDU NAV RAD page

 If selected on the ECP, identifiers for the tuned VORs displayed on each ND