Autoflight Questions

Question 1

When will the FGCS automatically select half-bank? What is the bank angle?

Answer 1

• FL250
• 17° bank angle

Question 2

What is FPA?

Answer 2

• Flight Path Angle is a pilot-selectable pitch attitude (in degrees) of climb or descent
• FGCS adjusts thrust & pitch to maintain path angle and airspeed

Question 3

What does the TOGA button do?

Answer 3

• On ground - Activates takeoff guidance crossbars
• In flight - Activates Go-Around guidance

Question 4

What do the takeoff guidance crossbars do?

Answer 4

• Maintain extended runway centerline
• Maintain pitch guidance according to slat/flap setting

Question 5

When is the TOGA mode deactivated?

Answer 5

• Another vertical mode is selected
• Autopilot is activated
• TCS button is pressed

Question 6

When will the FD automatically display?

Answer 6

• TOGA button is pressed
• Autopilot is activated
• Windshear detection

Question 7

What is the function of the TCS button?

Answer 7

• Allows manual override of the autopilot
• When released, airplane maintains new altitude (provided ALT was the active vertical mode) but will return to previously lateral mode (except ILS, autopilot will recapture the LOC/GS)

Question 8

What will disengage the autopilot?

Answer 8

• AP button on GP is pushed
• Any manual pitch trim is activated
• Either AP/TRIM DISC button is pushed
• Stick shaker activated
• Windshear escape guidance is activated
• Flight controls in direct mode
• Aileron or elevator controls disconnected
• Overpowering the yoke
• Internal system failures

Question 9

Can the yaw damp be deactivated if the autopilot is on?

Answer 9

• Yes, it is independent of the autopilot

Question 10

When will the auto-throttles engage on the ground? In flight?

Answer 10

• On ground - AT TO (GP) is armed & TLA > 50°
• In flight - AT (GP) is armed & airplane > 400 ft AGL

Question 11

Will the auto-throttles compensate for gusty wind conditions?

Answer 11

• Yes, up to 5 kts

Question 12

What will disengage the auto-throttles?

Answer 12

• AT (TL or GP) is pushed
• TLA difference > 8°
• TL at idle with weight-on-wheels or wheels spinning
• Internal system failures

Question 13

What is SPDe? What mode uses SPDe?

Answer 13

• Speed on Elevator, thrust is fixed and pitch is adjusted to maintain airspeed (VS changes)
• FLCH uses SPDe for climbs and descents

Question 14

What is SPDt? What modes use SPDt?

Answer 14

• Speed on Thrust, thrust is adjusted to maintain selected airspeed
• FPA, VS, GS, ALT, ASEL

Question 15

What are the AT modes?

Answer 15

• SPDe, SPDt, TO, GA, HOLD, RETARD (@ 30 ft RA)

Question 16

What does LIM & OVRD mean on the FMA?

Answer 16

• LIM The selected vertical mode requires more or less engine thrust than is available
• OVRD The TL are being manually moved (no AP disengagement)

Question 17

When is CRZ automatically selected?

Answer 17

• When +100 ft of selected altitude for 90 seconds
• Desired airspeed must be achieved or it will remain in CLB mode

Question 18

What does the SRC button do?

Answer 18

• Selects pilot or co-pilot as the data source for the AFCS

Question 19

What does the red AP/TRIM DISC button on the yoke do?

Answer 19

• Disconnects the autopilot
• Stops all trim actuation if button is pushed and held

Question 20

What does the PREV button do?

Answer 20

• Allows the capture of ILS/BC course while still using the FMS as the basic NAV source provided the AUTO TUNE function is enabled on the MCDU and the approach is loaded in the FMS