AFS (Automatic Flight System) Best
Exam Questions With Complete
Solutions
What are the components of the Automatic Flight System (AFS)? - ANSWER-Autopilot
Flight Director System (AFDS), the Autothrottle (A/T), and the FMC which provides
target N1 limits and airspeeds for the A/T and AFDS.
2.13.1 Introduction
What are Flight Control Computers (FCCs) and what do they do? - ANSWER-The
AFDS consiists of two individual Flight Control Computers and a single MCP. The FCCs
are identified as A and B.
For A/P operation, FCCs send control commands to their respective pitch and roll
hydraulic servos, which operate the flight controls through two separate hydraulic
systems.
For F/D operation, each FCC positions the F/D command bars appropriately.
2.13.2 Autopilot Flight Director System
What is a potential hazard that NATOPS talks about with the AFDS attempting to
acquire an altitude? What can be done to correct it? - ANSWER-The AFDS may fail to
capture the target altitude and instead unexpectedly reverse vertical direction away from
the target altitude. After manually acquiring the target altitude the AFDS guidance
should return to correct indications. (Best example is a low altitude level off. ALT ACQ
may never go to ALT HOLD without some user input to gain altitude until it captures)
2.13.2 Autopilot Flight Director System
What does it mean when an MCP switch is illuminated? - ANSWER-Indicates the mode
may be deselected by pushing the switch again.
When engagement of a mode would conflict with current AFS operation, pushing the
mode selector switch has no effect (the light would be extinguished, indicated can't be
deselected). All AFDS modes may be disengaged either by selecting another command
mode or by disengaging the A/P and turning the F/Ds off.
2.13.2.1 MCP Mode Selector Switches
, If an AFDS anomaly is obsrved where individual pilot-selected AFDS modes are not
responding normally to switch selections, you can correct the problem by: - ANSWER-
Disengaging A/P and selecting both F/Ds OFF. This clears all engaged AFDS modes.
2.13.2.1.1 AFDS Mode Control Panel Faults
A/P or CWS engagement is inhibited unless both of these conditions are met: -
ANSWER-1. No force being applied to the control wheel or control column.
2. The STAB TRIM AUTOPILOT cutout switch is NORMAL.
2.13.2.2 Autopilot Engagement Criteria
Only one A/P may be engaged at a given time, unless: - ANSWER-- The APP mode is
engaged or
- When both VNAV and LNAV engaged
2.13.2.2 Autopilot Engagement Criteria
What parts of a dual channel approach are authorized and what parts are prohibited? -
ANSWER-Dual channel A/P use during APP mode and A/P go-arounds are authorized.
Autoland and dual channel A/P use during tactical mode are prohibited.
In single A/P, full automatic flare and touchdown capability and A/P go-around not
available.
2.13.2.2 Autopilot Engagement Criteria
What are the ways to disengage the A/P? - ANSWER-1. Pushing either A/P disengage
switch.
2. Pushing either TOGA switch w/ single A/P engaged in CWS or CMD:
a. Below 2000' RA, or
b. With flaps not up, or
c. G/S engaged
3. Pushing an illuminated A/P ENGAGE switch
5. Pushing the A/P DISENGAGE bar down
6. Activating either pilot control wheel trim switch
Exam Questions With Complete
Solutions
What are the components of the Automatic Flight System (AFS)? - ANSWER-Autopilot
Flight Director System (AFDS), the Autothrottle (A/T), and the FMC which provides
target N1 limits and airspeeds for the A/T and AFDS.
2.13.1 Introduction
What are Flight Control Computers (FCCs) and what do they do? - ANSWER-The
AFDS consiists of two individual Flight Control Computers and a single MCP. The FCCs
are identified as A and B.
For A/P operation, FCCs send control commands to their respective pitch and roll
hydraulic servos, which operate the flight controls through two separate hydraulic
systems.
For F/D operation, each FCC positions the F/D command bars appropriately.
2.13.2 Autopilot Flight Director System
What is a potential hazard that NATOPS talks about with the AFDS attempting to
acquire an altitude? What can be done to correct it? - ANSWER-The AFDS may fail to
capture the target altitude and instead unexpectedly reverse vertical direction away from
the target altitude. After manually acquiring the target altitude the AFDS guidance
should return to correct indications. (Best example is a low altitude level off. ALT ACQ
may never go to ALT HOLD without some user input to gain altitude until it captures)
2.13.2 Autopilot Flight Director System
What does it mean when an MCP switch is illuminated? - ANSWER-Indicates the mode
may be deselected by pushing the switch again.
When engagement of a mode would conflict with current AFS operation, pushing the
mode selector switch has no effect (the light would be extinguished, indicated can't be
deselected). All AFDS modes may be disengaged either by selecting another command
mode or by disengaging the A/P and turning the F/Ds off.
2.13.2.1 MCP Mode Selector Switches
, If an AFDS anomaly is obsrved where individual pilot-selected AFDS modes are not
responding normally to switch selections, you can correct the problem by: - ANSWER-
Disengaging A/P and selecting both F/Ds OFF. This clears all engaged AFDS modes.
2.13.2.1.1 AFDS Mode Control Panel Faults
A/P or CWS engagement is inhibited unless both of these conditions are met: -
ANSWER-1. No force being applied to the control wheel or control column.
2. The STAB TRIM AUTOPILOT cutout switch is NORMAL.
2.13.2.2 Autopilot Engagement Criteria
Only one A/P may be engaged at a given time, unless: - ANSWER-- The APP mode is
engaged or
- When both VNAV and LNAV engaged
2.13.2.2 Autopilot Engagement Criteria
What parts of a dual channel approach are authorized and what parts are prohibited? -
ANSWER-Dual channel A/P use during APP mode and A/P go-arounds are authorized.
Autoland and dual channel A/P use during tactical mode are prohibited.
In single A/P, full automatic flare and touchdown capability and A/P go-around not
available.
2.13.2.2 Autopilot Engagement Criteria
What are the ways to disengage the A/P? - ANSWER-1. Pushing either A/P disengage
switch.
2. Pushing either TOGA switch w/ single A/P engaged in CWS or CMD:
a. Below 2000' RA, or
b. With flaps not up, or
c. G/S engaged
3. Pushing an illuminated A/P ENGAGE switch
5. Pushing the A/P DISENGAGE bar down
6. Activating either pilot control wheel trim switch
