Automatic systems: Reference to a system functioning without manual input.
- Key note: In the case of a rudder control weighing 66 pounds, the system requires manual input.
Yaw Damper: Part of the autopilot system that stabilizes the aircraft's yaw motion.
- Engagement Conditions: Conditions under which the autopilot or yaw damper becomes disengaged.
- Stall Warning: Activation when conditions indicative of a stall are present.
- Loss of Yaw Damper Engagement: Signaled by a disagreement between AHRS (Attitude and Heading Reference System).
Trim Management
Trimming the Aircraft: Adjusting controls to maintain level flight without constant manual input.
- Right Wing Down Message: Signal indicating the need to trim the right wing down.
- Actions for Trimming:
- Retrain right aileron trim if indicated.
-** Left aileron trim may also be needed based on conditions.
Ball Trimming: Importance of maintaining the aircraft's balance, noting slip or skid indications.
- Timing for Trimming: Wait ten seconds after each adjustment to allow systems to stabilize before making further adjustments.
Flight Takeoff Protocols
Tow Bus Function:
- Disconnects the autopilot when activated.
- Moves flight director bars to reflect a pitch-up attitude based on the current flap position (noted protocol).
Heading Hold:
- Maintains the set heading of the aircraft at takeoff.
- Essential for straight ascent without turns.
Climb instructions: E.g., “Climb 400, then a right turn to zero three two.”
- Ensures smooth navigation up to the set altitude.
Autopilot and Flight Director Interactions
TCS Switch (Touch Control Steering):
- Allows pilots to manually control pitch and roll by temporarily overriding autopilot inputs.
- Example Usage:
- Set airspeed or bank angle before releasing the switch to maintain that new parameter.
Vertical Speed Control:
- The ability to dial in a specific vertical speed while allowing autopilot to hold that adjustment.
- Useful in managing descent or climb rates effectively.
Pilot Monitoring: TCS is beneficial for reducing workload during critical phases of flight, allowing one pilot to adjust systems while another monitors.
TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System)
Range Settings:
- 6 Nautical Mile Ring: First layer of intruder proximity alarms.
- 12 Nautical Mile Ring: Secondary layer for further ranges.
Altitude Information:
- Above selection indicates 9,995 feet above and 2,700 feet below.
- Below selection reverses those numbers: 2,700 feet above and 9,999 feet below.
Usage Protocol: Autofunction in various aircraft models, like the Boeing 737 and RJ700, as well as manual selection in other aircraft types.
EFIS and Communication Settings
Couple Switch: Directs which EFIS provides data.
Radarscope Functionality:
- Scan Width: The radar can scan 6 degrees from center on each side, with a total sweep of 45 degrees either side of center.
- Total range of radar visibility:350 degrees across.
RCT Switch Function (Radar): Activates to manage radar exposure when facing poor weather conditions, indicated by a color change to blue, warning against entry into those areas.
Miscellaneous Remarks
Acknowledgment of fatigue during intense training sessions.
Use of humor and informal language to facilitate learning and reduce stress—like comments on food or the discomfort of terminology.