Autoflight Flashcards
What does FMGC 1 generate commands for?
1) Autopilot 1
2) CA FD
3) Autothrust
What does FMGC 2 generate commands for?
1) Autopilot 2
2) FO FD
3) Autothrust
Which FMGC is master and which is backup in the following conditions:
Autopilots off
Autopilot 1 engaged
Autopilot 2 engaged
1) Autopilots off : FMGC 1 is master, FMGC 2 is backup
2) Autopilot 1 engaged: FMGC 1 master, FMGC 2 backup
3) Autopilot 2 engaged: FMCG 2 master, FMGC 1 backup
What is the function of the Flight Mode Announcer (FMA)
Primary tool used to monitor status and performance of the auto-flight system
What do each of the 5 columns of the FMA represent
Column 1 - Autothrust Mode
Column 2 - Autoflight Vertical Mode
Column 3- Autoflight lateral Mode
Column 4 - Approach Capabilities and Mins
Column 5 - Autoflight status
What are the color conventions of the FMA annunciations
Green
Blue
Magenta
White
Amber
Red
Green - engaged mode
Blue - armed mode
Magenta - altitude constraints (if vertical path includes a level segment)
White - approach capabilities, certain autothrust modes and autoflight system status
Amber - Thrust and/ or flight control system caution messages
Red - Significant flight control system degradation
How do you engage and dis-engage the AP
1) Engage - select either AP1 or AP2 pb on FCU
2) Disengage
- Press AP disconnect pb on either sidestick (preferred)
- Select the illuminated AP1 or AP2 pb on the FCU
- Displace either sidestick or rudder pedal
What AP related indications will be displayed on the top line of column 5 of the FMA when:
AP is disengaged
AP 1 is engaged
AP 2 is engaged
Both APs are engaged
AP is disengaged - Top line blank
AP 1 is engaged - Top line shows AP1
AP 2 is engaged - Top line shows AP2
Both APs are engaged - Top line shows AP1+2
How can the flight directors be engaged/ disengaged?
1) FD system is automatically engaged when electrical power is established on the aircraft
2) FD pb on either the CA or FO EFIS control panel can be used to manually engage or disengage
How can you tell if an FD is engaged
Green light within the FD pb illuminates
What FD related indications will be displayed on line 2 of column 5 of the FMA when:
Both FDs are off
Both FDs are on
CA FD off and FO FD on
FO FD off and CA FD on
FMGC 1 failed
FMGC 2 failed
Both FDs are off - Line 2 blank
Both FDs are on: 1FD2
CA FD off and FO FD on: -FD2
FO FD off and CA FD on: FD1-
FMGC 1 failed: 2FD2
FMGC 2 failed: 1FD1
If the Autothrust is OFF (DISCONNECTED) what indications will you get on the FMA and FCU? How is thrust controlled?
1) FMA Column 1 and Bottom row of Column 5 are blank
2) A/TH pb on FCU is extinguished
3) Engine thrust is controlled by manually positioning the TLs
if the Autothrust is ARMED what indications will you get on the FMA and FCU. How is Thrust corresponded
1) MAN FLX or MAN TOGA appears in Column 1 and A/THR in blue in column 5 of the FMA
2) Thrust is corresponds to TL position of FLX or TOGA
In Flight, if the TLs are placed in the TOGA position, what kind of thrust will you get and what will appear in the FMA
1) TOGA thrust
2) If you are in CONF 1 or greater, the FMS go around phase is activated
3) MAN TOGA appears in column 1 and A/THR in blue appears in column 5
if the Autothrust is ACTIVE what indications will you get on the FMA and FCU.
FMA column 1 displays the current mode and bottom row of column 5 displays ATH/R in white
What is the active range of Autothrust during 2 engine and single engine operation?
1) Two engine - any position between the CLB detent and just above Idle stop
2) 1 engine - any position between MCT detent and just above idle stop.
When active, can autothrust automatically change from one mode to another to meet vertical path requirements?
Yes
With autothrust active will the TLs physically move? How do you maintain awareness of the systems operating mode?
No they don’t physically move. Always reference the FMA for awareness.
How is the Autothrust System normally activated (armed)
Normally armed at takeoff when the TLs are placed in either the FLX or TOGA position when both engines are running.
How is the Autothrust System disconnected (turned off)
1) Bring TLs to idle stop at touchdown (NORMAL WAY)
2) pressing the red pb on the side of either TL
3) pressing the illuminated A/THR pb on the FCU panel.
What is the difference between Thrust mode and Speed/Mach mode? When is each used?
1) Thrust Mode - used when a specific thrust level is maintained and target speed is achieved through pitch changes (used in climbs and descents when no specific rate is required)
2) Speed/ Mach Mode - Thrust output varies to maintain target speed or mach. Used during level flight or during climbs and descents when a specific rate must be maintained.
What are the FMA column 1 indications of Thrust mode
MAN TOGA
MAN FLX
MCT
THR
CLB
THR IDLE
What are the FMA column 1 indications of Speed/ Mach Mode
SPEED
MACH
What is the Alpha Floor Feature? When is it available
1) Command TOGA thrust when the aircraft reaches a very high AOA
2) Available in Normal Law from Takeoff down to 100ft RA
