History and Basic Theory of Autopilot

Question 1

It refers to a system that can significantly reduce workload during phases of flight. It also refers to a collection of systems that automate a plane’s operations.

Answer 1

Autopilot

Question 2

It tells your plane how to fly, including navigation, altitude, speed, and engine thrust, which controls the force by which the plane moves through the air.

Answer 2

Complex Computer Matrix

Question 3

It describes a complete flight from departure to arrival.

Answer 3

Flight Plan

Question 4

interface between the pilot and the FMS

Answer 4

Multipurpose Control and Display Unit (MCDU)

Question 5

on-board multi-purpose navigation, performance, and aircraft operations computer

Answer 5

Flight Management System (FMS)

Question 6

capability to fly any desired flight path defined by waypoints

Answer 6

Area Navigation (RNAV)

Question 7

In cases of an autopilot, the FAA mandates that pilots be “________” for takeoffs and landings.

Answer 7

hands-on

Question 8

Who are the Wright Brothers?

Answer 8

Wilbur & Orville Wright

Question 9

Where was the first test flights of the Wright Bros?

Answer 9

Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

Question 10

When was the first two gliders of the Wright Bros flown?

Answer 10

1900 and 1901

Question 11

Why did the first two gliders of the Wright Bros fail?

Answer 11

not enough lift and not fully controllable

Question 12

helped the brothers build a gasoline engine (that is light enough to propel an airplane and difficult controls)

Answer 12

Charlie Taylor

Question 13

helped the brothers build the first true airplane propellers and built a new, powered aircraft

Answer 13

Charlie Taylor

Question 14

The first aircraft autopilot was developed by _______ on _____.

Answer 14

Sperry Corporation, 1912

Question 15

Important component on the first aircraft autopilot

Answer 15

gyroscopic heading indicator & attitude indicator

Question 16

Who and when was the credibility of autopilot demonstrated?

Answer 16

Lawrence Sperry, 1914

Question 17

made it possible to fly during night and bad weather

Answer 17

Radio Navigation Aids

Question 18

Other further developments of the autopilot include __________ and ________.

Answer 18

improved control algorithms, hydraulic servomechanism

Question 19

gives inertial rotation data of an aircraft

Answer 19

laser gyro

Question 20

When at rest, in a laser gyro, the two beams get to the sensor with the _________.

Answer 20

same frequency

Question 21

What creates a difference of frequency between two beams?

Answer 21

aircraft rotation

Question 22

It is measured by optical providing an analog output, which is sent to the analog to digital converter.

Answer 22

frequency difference

Question 23

After computation of the frequency difference, this output will provide _________ of the aircraft.

Answer 23

rotation information

Question 24

LASER is usually found in the ____________ along with CG of the aircraft.

Answer 24

center cabin floor panel

Question 25

If Laser Gyro fails, use the _______ located on cockpit instrument panel.

Answer 25

backup attitude gyro

Question 26

If Laser Gyro fails, use the backup attitude gyro located on _____________.

Answer 26

cockpit instrument panel

Question 27

Give at least three advantages of auto pilot

Answer 27

- Reduces manual workload and fatigue - Relief from small errors - Precision in the handling of routine tasks - Increased productivity

Question 28

Give at least three disadvantages of auto pilot

Answer 28

- Automation – induced failures - False alarms - Boredom - Over-reliance, complacency; willing to accept results without scrutinizing them first - Reduced alertness of operator, by offering a false sense of security

Question 29

pilot's main role

Answer 29

maneuver the airplane from A to B safely and efficiently

Question 30

Give at least three from the five sub-tasks of a pilot

Answer 30

- to operate, manage, and to monitor the engines and airplane control systems: Lights off Principle on Pushbutton Switches - to avoid inadvertent encounters with either unfriendly terrain or with objects on the ground - to navigate efficiently to the destination airport - to ensure comfort to the passengers and crew by operating and monitoring such systems as pressurization and temperature control - to communicate with company operations and with ATC

Question 31

It contains the elements from which the flight plan is constructed.

Answer 31

Navigational Data Base (NDB)

Question 32

contains all of the information required for building a flight plan

Answer 32

Navigational Data Base (NDB)

Question 33

information required to build a flight plan

Answer 33

- airways - airports - Standard Terminal Arrival (STAR)

Question 34

Pilots must understand the way databases are compiled and revised by the _______ and processed by the _________; updated every ___ days.

Answer 34

database provider, avionics mechanic, 28

Question 35

Basic AFCS consists of:

Answer 35

- sensing element - command element - output element - computer/amplifier

Question 36

consists of gyro, rate gyros, accelerometer, pitot-static system, and air temperature probes

Answer 36

detecting element

Question 37

detect the movement of the aircraft about its three flight axes and the rate of that movement

Answer 37

detecting element

Question 38

considered to be internal controls or inner loop of the system

Answer 38

detecting element

Question 39

consist of the pilot’s control panel and manually operated controls that include the pilot’s stick, rudder pedals, and navigation

Answer 39

command element

Question 40

considered to be external controls or the outer loop of the system

Answer 40

command element

Question 41

brain of the system

Answer 41

computer amplifier

Question 42

computes, amplifies, and processes the signal from the detecting and command element

Answer 42

computer amplifier

Question 43

directs the output element to respond to the pilot's and or system requirements

Answer 43

computer amplifier

Question 44

consists of units, which move the control surfaces of the aircraft in response to the whatever man na naputol

Answer 44

output elements

Question 45

Autopilot modes are capable of maintaining set of operating parameters using Flight Control Unit (FCU) which can include:

Answer 45

- attitude hold - heading hold - vertical speed hold - altitude hold

Question 46

Consists of the detection, amplification, correction, follow up, and the aircraft response loop

Answer 46

Basic AFCS Loop

Question 47

functions to cancel the input signal by applying an opposite signal proportional to the command required to bring the aircraft to the desired attitude

Answer 47

follow up signal