TOPIC 1: TYPICAL ELECTRONIC/DIGITAL AIRCRAFT SYSTEM

Vocabulary flashcards covering key avionics concepts and equipment from the lecture notes.

Avionics

The field of aviation electronics, i.e., the electronic systems used in aircraft.

Digital avionics

The part of avionics that deals with digital, computerized technologies in aircraft.

Glass cockpit

Cockpit displays presented on monitors (LCD/CRT) rather than traditional mechanical dials.

Fly-by-wire (FBW)

A flight control concept where manual controls are replaced by electronic interfaces and computer control.

LCD/CRTs

Display technologies used to present cockpit information on screens.

Autopilot

An automated system that controls the aircraft to reduce pilot workload.

Central Air Data Computer (CADC)

The first onboard computer that computes altitude, airspeed, and rate of climb from barometric data.

ARINC 429

A standard data bus/protocol for avionics data exchange between aircraft systems.

ARINC 739 CDU

A cockpit data interface used with flight management/display units (CDUs/MCDUs).

CDU (Control Display Unit)

Input/output unit used to interact with flight management systems.

MCDU (Multipurpose/Multifunction CDU)

Display/input unit used with the Flight Management Computer for flight planning data.

AIDS (Aircraft Integrated Data System)

A networked data system that collects and distributes avionics data.

ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System)

System for data messaging and communications between aircraft and ground/air networks.

VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range)

A navigation beacon used by aircraft to determine bearing to a station.

DME (Distance Measuring Equipment)

A navigation aid that provides slant-range distance to a VOR/DME station.

FMC (Flight Management Computer)

Integrated computer that manages flight planning, navigation, and performance data.

CMU (Communications Management Unit)

Unit that manages aircraft communications control.

DFDAU (Digital Flight Data Acquisition Unit)

Device that collects flight data for recording and systems monitoring.

PFD (Primary Flight Display)

Main display showing essential flight information (airspeed, attitude, altitude, etc.).

ND (Navigation Display)

Display showing navigational information and flight plan data.

EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System)

Integrated cockpit displays (often including PFD and ND) driven by electronic data.

MCP (Mode Control Panel)

Panel to select autopilot/flight-director modes and guidance parameters.

EICAS (Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System)

System that displays engine data and crew alerts.

ECAM (Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor)

Airbus system for centralized monitoring of aircraft systems and alerts.

MFD (Multifunction Display)

Display capable of showing various types of information from multiple systems.

DSP (Display Selector Panel)

Panel to select which information source is shown on a display.

OIT (Onboard Information Terminal)

Terminal that provides access to onboard information and data.

RMP (Radio Management Panel)

Panel that controls aircraft radio tuning and management.

BITE (Built In Test Equipment)

Onboard self-testing system that monitors health of avionics and reports faults.

BIT (Built In Test)

Self-test process that checks components and subsystems.

BIST (Built In Self Test)

Self-diagnostic test that can operate automatically within the system.

LRU (Line Replacement Unit)

Modular component designed for quick replacement during maintenance.

ARINC 615

Dataloader standard for maintenance data transfer and programming.

Non-volatile memory

Memory that retains data when power is removed, used for fault logs and configurations.

LAE (Operational Test)

Startup operational checks that verify system inputs, protection, and control circuitry.