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autopilot
is 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
Lawrence Sperry (Sperry Corporation)
he developed the first aircraft autopilot
1912
When was the first aircraft autopilot was developed?
gyroscopic heading indicator and attitude indicator
indicators included in the first developed aircraft autopilot
LASER gyro
gives inertial rotation data of an aircraft
CG of the aircraft
where is laser gyro usually located
through Analog-to-Digital converter
how is frequency difference from laser gyro interpreted
cockpit instrument panel
Where is the backup attitude gyro for laser gyro located?
1. Reduce manual workload
2. Relief from small errors
3. Precision in the handling of routine tasks
4. Increased productivity
advantages of autopilot
1. Failures due to false alarms
2. Boredom
3. Over-reliance
4. Reduced alertness of operator
disadvantage of autopilot
navigation, altitude, speed, engine thrust
control inclusions of autopilot
flight route, destination, navigation
flight destination data from autopilot
Multipurpose Control and Display Unit (MCDU)
Where is the flight destination information from autopilot is displayed?
flight plan
This describes a complete flight from departure to arrival.
20
most planes that seat more than ___ people have autopilot systems
takeoff and landing
Despite having autopilot when is the FAA requires pilot to be hands-on?
TRUE
The autopilot technology and newer airport infrastructure allow for more automated landings, which are especially helpful in low visibility or bad weather events. TRUE or FALSE
Navigation Database (NDB)
contains the elements from which the flight plan is constructed
Airways, Airports, Standard terminal arrival (STAR)
NDB required information for building a flight plan.
28 days
interval for updating the navigation database
Detecting Element, Command Element, Computer Amplifier, Output Element
What are the major elements of Automatic Flight Control System?
gyro, rate gyros, accelerometer , pitot-static system and air temperature probes
What consists detecting element?
pilot's control panel, pilot's stick, rudder pedals, navigation
What consists command element?
Detecting Elements
It is considered to be internal controls or inner loop of the system.
Command Elements
It is considered to be external controls or outer loop of the system.
Computer Amplifier
This is the brain of the system, processes signal from detecting and command elements
Output elements
This element consists of units, which move the control surfaces of the aircraft based on the computer demand.
through Flight Control Unit
how autopilot mode maintains set of operating parameters
Attitude Hold, Heading Hold, Vertical Speed Hold, Altitude Hold
autopilot operating parameters
detection, amplification, correction, follow up and the aircraft response loop
basic AFCS loop consists of
follow up signal
The function of this signal is to cancel the input signal by applying an opposite signal proportional to the command required to bring the aircraft to the desired attitude.
servoactuator feedback
This signal nulls initial input error signal.
Flight Management System
FMS meaning
Area Navigation
RNAV meaning
Multipurpose Control and Display Unit
MCDU meaning
Navigation Database
NDB meaning
Auto Flight Control System
AFCS meaning
Flight Control Unit
FCU meaning
Longitudinal
X-axis
Lateral
Y-axis
Vertical
Z-axis
lateral stability
stability about the longitudinal axis
longitudinal stability
stability about the lateral axis
directional stability
stability about the vertical axis
cables
The control column on small light aircraft is physically connected to the control surfaces by these.
actuators or servo
Power assistance is provided by these on larger aircraft.
mechanical inputs or electrical inputs
actuators and servo can operate through these inputs
error correction
This is the basis for autopilot system operation.
position based and rate based
two basic ways modern autopilot systems do error correction
position based autopilot
manipulates the aircraft's controls so that any deviation from the desired attitude of the aircraft is corrected
rate based autopilot
use information about the rate of movement of the aircraft, and move control surfaces to counter the rate of change that causes the error
rate based autopilot
what autopilot system is commonly used by large aircrafts
fly-by-wire
uncommand changes is detected by gyro, accelerometers, etc. which will send electrical signals to an actuator or servo
fly-by-wire
In this electrically operated system, it is electrically signals not mechanical inputs, which control the actuator or servo operation.
avionics system
This provides the flight control computer with inputs, of heading, attitude, waypoints, etc.
Flight Control Computer (FCC)
This repositions the actuator with electrical signals to maintain the aircraft on the programmed flight path.
reduced weight, improved reliability, damage tolerance, more effective control
advantage of fly-by-wire
redundancy, complexity, cost
disadvantage of fly-by-wire
Note 
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