Demo Module 5 Chp1
Demo Module 5 Chp1
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PART 66 CATEGORY B1.1
MODULE 5
DIGITAL TECHNIQUES/ELECTRONIC
SYSTEMS
CONTENTS
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All instruments essential to the operation of an aircraft are located on panels, the
number of which vary in accordance with the number of instruments required for
the appropriate type of aircraft and its flight deck layout. The front instrument
panel, positioned in the normal line of sight of the pilots, contains all instruments
critical for the safe flight of the aircraft. This panel is normally sloped forward 15
from the vertical to minimize parallax errors. Other panels within the flight deck
are typically positioned; Overhead, left and right side and centrally between the
pilots.
Figure 1
1. Airspeed Indicator.
2. Altimeter.
4. Direction Indicator
The first real attempt at establishing a standard method of grouping was the
“Blind Flying Panel” or “Basic Six”. The “Gyro Horizon Unit (HGU) occupies the
top centre position, and since it provides positive and direct indications of the
aircraft’s attitude, it is utilized as the “Master Instrument”. As control of airspeed
and altitude is directly related to attitude, the “Indicated Air-Speed (IAS),
Indicator, Altimeter and Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI) flank the HGU.
Changes in direction are initiated by banking the aircraft, and the degree of
heading change is obtained from the “Direction Indicator” (DI). The DI supports
the interpretation of the roll attitude and is positioned directly below the HGU.
The “Turn & Bank Indicator” serves as a secondary reference instrument for
heading changes, so it also supports the interpretation of roll attitude.
Figure 2
With the development and introduction of new types of aircraft with more
comprehensive display presentation, afforded by the indicators of flight director
systems, a review of the functions of certain instruments and their relative
positions within the group resulted in the adoption of the “Basic T” arrangement
as the current standard.
4. Altimeter.
Figures 3a and 3b show the layout of the Basic ‘T’ instrument groupings.
Figure 3a
Figure 3b
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Modern technology has enabled some significant changes in the layout of flight
instrumentation on most aircraft currently in service. The biggest change has
been the introduction of Electronic Instrument systems. These systems have
meant that many complex Electro-mechanical instruments have now been
replaced by TV type colour displays. These systems also allow the exchange of
images between display units in the case of display failures.
The EADI and EHSI can be positioned side by side or vertically top and bottom,
with the Combined Speed Indicator (CSI), Radio Magnetic Indicator (RMI),
Altimeter and Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI) positioned around the displays.
Normally the EADI is positioned on the top or on the on-side position. PFD and
ND typically side by side with the PFD using the outboard display.
Figure 4 upper shows a flight deck layout of an ATR-72 using EADI/EHSI. The
lower figure shows the layout of PFD and ND of an Airbus A320.
COMBINED
AIRSPEED
INDICATOR EADI ALTIMETER
RADIO VERTICAL
MAGNETIC
INDICATOR EHSI SPEED
INDICATOR
ECAM
SYSTEMS
Figure 4
The EADI displays traditional attitude information (Pitch & Roll) against a two-
colour sphere representing the horizon (Ground/Sky) with an aircraft symbol as a
reference. Attitude information is normally supplied from an Attitude Reference
System (ARS).
The EADI will also display further flight information, Flight Director commands
right/left to capture the flight path to Waypoints, airports and NAVAIDS and
up/down to fly to set altitudes. Information related to the aircraft’s position w.r.t.
Localizer (LOC) and Glideslope (GS) beams transmitted by an ILS. Auto Flight
Control System (AFCS) deviations and Autothrottle mode, selected airspeed
(Indicated or Mach No) Groundspeed, Radio Altitude and Decision Height
information. Figure 5 shows a typical EADI display
Figure 5
The EHSI presents a selectable, dynamic colour display of flight progress with
plan view orientation. The EHSI has a number of different modes of operation
which can be selected by the flight crew. The number of modes is dependent on
the system fitted.
Figure 6
The Primary Flying Display (PFD) provides a progression from the EADI in that it
incorporates the airspeed, mach number, altitude and vertical speed. The main
areas of the PFD are shown in figure 7, with figure 8 showing a typical PFD
display with the aircraft at altitude with a TCAS Resolution Advisory warning.
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
1.6.1 Airspeed
The airspeed indication shows air data inertial reference system (ADIRS)
airspeed and other airspeed related information.
Speed Tape and Current Airspeed The speed tape shows the computed
airspeed from the ADIRU on a moving
scale. Current airspeed shows as a
digital readout. The digital readout box
points to the value on the speed tape.
When the airspeed is below 30 knots,
30 knots shows.
Mach Number Mach number shows as a digital
readout. It shows below the airspeed
tape when the Mach number is more
than 0.4. The display does not show
when the Mach number is below 0.38
or if the Mach number display fails.
Speed Trend Vector The speed trend vector shows the
predicted airspeed in 10 seconds
based on current acceleration or
deceleration. This vector shows when
the speed trend is more than 4.5 knots.
1.6.2 Attitude
The attitude area shows the pitch and the roll attitude of the airplane. Pitch and
roll data comes from the air data inertial reference system (ADIRS). These are
other indications that show in the attitude area:
Flight director commands
Traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS)
resolution advisories
Slip/skid
Pitch limit
1.6.3 Altitude
The altitude indication shows barometric altitude from the air data inertial
reference system (ADIRS) and other related altitude information.
Altitude Tape and Current Altitude The altitude tape shows the barometric
altitude on a moving scale. It can show
a range of 806 feet. The current altitude
shows in a digital readout box. The
digital readout box points to the value
on the altitude tape.
Selected Altitude and Altitude Alert There is a selected altitude bug and a
digital readout. The pilot uses the mode
control panel to set the selected
altitude. The bug points to the selected
altitude on the altitude tape. When the
selected altitude is offscale, only half
the bug shows at the top or bottom of
the altitude tape. The selected altitude
digital readout shows above the altitude
tape. When the airplane approaches
the selected altitude, there is an
altitude alert. When there is an altitude
alert, a white box shows around the
selected altitude digital readout.
The vertical speed indication shows vertical speed from the air data inertial
reference system (ADIRS).
The heading indication shows on a partial compass rose at the bottom of the
primary flight display (PFD).
Autothrottle
Pitch
Roll
Autopilot status.
The display shown in figure 9 shows symbology associated with Landing. These
are:
The Navigation Display (ND) again provides a progression from the earlier EHSI
in that it incorporates the additional display modes.
Centred Map mode with Vertical Situation Display (VSD) (Fig 15)
Ground speed & True Airspeed Display speed with reference to the
ground and True Airspeed. True
Airspeed is the dynamic pressure
compensated for temperature and air
density.
Wind Digital wind direction and speed
shows above the analogue wind
direction arrow.
VOR deviation and TO/FROM flag The course deviation bar represents
the lateral deviation from the the
centreline of the selected VOR
course. The aircraft symbol shows
the aircraft’s position pictorially in
relation to the displayed deviation.
Black No storm.
Green Low intensity
Yellow Medium intensity
Red Intense returns
Magenta Turbulence
The EFIS control panels control the information that shows on the display units.
The typical controls that are found on this panel are:
Minimums controls Flight path vector switch
Meters switch Barometric controls
VOR/ADF switches Mode controls
Range selector 3 Traffic switch
Weather radar switch Terrain switch
Map switches
Figure 20
The controls are:
Minimums Controls The minimums controls is used to
select and set the radio and barometric
minimum altitude. These are the
minimums controls:
Minimums reference selector
Minimums selector
Minimums reset switch.
The outer control is the minimums
reference selector. It selects either
radio or barometric (baro) as the
reference for the minimum altitude. The
middle control is the minimums selector
and it sets the altitude.
The inner control is the minimums reset
(RST) switch. This switch resets the
radio altitude alert when the minimums
reference selector is in the radio
position.
Flight Path Vector Switch The flight path vector (FPV) switch lets
you show the FPV symbol on the
attitude display.
Meters Switch The meters switch (MTRS) is an
alternate action switch. When you
select MTRS, the Altitude and the MCP
select altitude indications show in
meters and feet.
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The Electronic Instrument System (EIS) also allows the flight crew to configure
the instrument layout by allowing manual transfer of the Primary Flight Display
(PFD) with the Navigation Display (ND) and the secondary Electronic Centralised
Aircraft Monitoring (ECAM) display with the ND. Figure 22 shows the switching
panel from Airbus A320, with Figure 23 showing the manual transfer interchanges
possible.
Figure 22
Figure 23
As well as a manual transfer, the system will automatically transfer displays when
either the PFD or the primary ECAM display fails. The PFD is automatically
transferred onto the corresponding ND, with the ECAM secondary display used
for the primary ECAM display. Figure 24 shows this automatic transfer.
The system will also automatically transfer the primary ECAM information onto
the ND if a double failure of the ECAM display system occurs. Figure 25 shows
this automatic transfer during a double display failure.
Figure 25
The EIS for the Airbus 320, as with other aircraft types, typically have a Display
Management System , which acquire the required information from the respective
aircraft systems, produce the imagery and symbologies to be displayed and
control the display system. The system works using a triple channel approach
which provides redundancy if any of the Display Management Systems have a
failure. Figure 26 shows a block schematic of the EIS for the Airbus 320.
Figure 26
The display of the parameters associated with engine performance and airframe
systems control, by means of CRT type display units has, like those of flight
instrument systems, become a standard feature of many types of aircraft.
The display units form part of two principal systems designated as:
The basic system comprises two display units, a control panel and two computers
supplied with analog and digital signals from the engine and system sensors.
The computers are designated “Left” and “Right” and only one is in control of the
system at any one time, the other is held in standby. In the event of a failure, it
may be switched in either manually or automatically.
Operating in conjunction with the system are discrete caution and warning lights,
standby engine indicators and a remotely-located panel for selecting
maintenance data display. The system provides the flight crew with information
on primary engine parameters (Full-time), with secondary engine parameters and
advisory/caution/warning alert messages displayed as required. Figure 27 shows
layout of the EICAS Displays.
Figure 27
The upper unit displays primary engine parameters, i.e. N1 speed, EGT, and
warning and caution messages. The lower unit displays secondary parameters,
i.e. N2 speed, fuel flow, oil quantity, pressure and temperature. In addition, the
status of non-engine systems e.g. flight control surface position, hydraulic
system, APU, etc., can be displayed.
On the upper unit, a row of Vs will appear when secondary information is being
displayed on the lower unit. Seven colours are produced by the CRTs for
displaying information. These have the following functions
Colour Function
White All scales, normal operating range of pointers, digital
readouts.
Figure 28 and 29 show display formats for primary and secondary displays
respectively.
Figure 28
Figure 29
3. Maintenance (ground use only and selected via the maintenance panel).
This mode displays the engine operating information and any alerts requiring
action by the crew in flight. Normally only the upper display unit presents
information: the lower one remains blank and can be selected to display
secondary information as and when required.
When selected this mode displays data to determine the dispatch readiness of an
aircraft, and is closely associated with details contained in the aircraft’s Minimum
Equipment List. The display shows the positions of the flight control surfaces in
the form of pointers registered against vertical scales, selected sub-system
parameters, and equipment status messages on the lower display unit. Selection
is normally done on the ground, either as part of the pre-flight checks of dispatch
items, or prior to shutdown of electrical power to aid the flight crew in making
entries in the aircraft’s Technical log. Figure 30 shows an example of a status
page.
Figure 30
To control the operation of the EICAS, a control panel is situated on the centre
pedestal. Figure 31 shows a typical EICAS control panel.
Figure 31
Engine Display Switch: This is a push type switch for removing or presenting
the display of secondary information on the lower
display.
Status Display Switch: This is a push type switch for removing or presenting
the status page on the lower display.
Event Record Switch: Normally, there is an auto event function and this will
automatically record any malfunctions as they occur.
The push switch enables manual event marking so
that the crew can record a suspect malfunction for
storage in a non-volatile memory. This data can be
retrieved from the memory and displayed by ground
engineers by operating the ground maintenance panel.
The manual switch can also be used for activating the
recording of fault data, either in the air or on the
ground, on the Environmental Control system,
Electrical Power system, Hydraulic system and APU.
Computer Select Switch:In the “AUTO” position it selects the left, or primary
computer and automatically switches to the other in
the event of a failure. The other positions are for
manually selecting either the right or left computers.
Display Brightness: Controlled by the inner knob for the display intensity,
the outer for display brightness.
Max Indicator Reset: If any of the measured parameters e.g. Oil Pressure,
EGT etc. exceed normal operating limits, it will be
automatically alerted on the display units. The
purpose of the reset button is to clear the alerts from
the display when the excess limits no longer exist.
The system will continually monitor a large number of inputs (400+) from engine
and airframe systems. If a malfunction is detected, then the appropriate alert
message is annunciated on the upper display. Up to 11 messages can be
displayed and are at the following levels:
Figure 32 shows a display with the three different types of alert messages
Displayed on the Upper EICAS.
Figure 32
Figure 33
Figure 34
ECAM differs from EICAS in that the data displayed relate essentially to the
primary systems of the aircraft and are displayed in checklist and pictorial or
synoptic format.
Figure 35
There are four display modes, three of which are automatically selected and
referred to as:
1. Phase-Related Mode.
2. Advisory Mode.
3. Failure-Related Modes.
The fourth mode is manual and permits the selection of diagrams related to any
one of 12 of the aircraft’s systems for routine checking, and also the selection of
status messages, provided no warnings have been triggered for display.
In normal operation, the automatic flight phase-related mode is used and the
displays will be appropriate to the current phase of aircraft operation, i.e. Pre-
flight, Take-off, Climb, Cruise, Descent, Approach, and post landing. Figure 36
shows display modes. The upper display shows the display for pre-take off, the
lower is that displayed for the cruise.
Figure 36
This mode provides the flight crew with a summary of the aircraft’s condition
following a failure and the possible downgrading of systems. Figure 37 shows an
advisory message.
Figure 37
The failure-related mode takes precedence over the other modes. Failures are
classified in 3 levels
Level 3: Warnings
Level 2: Cautions
Level 1: Cautions
This gives the flight crew information on aircraft configuration that requires
monitoring, mainly failures leading to a loss of redundancy or degradation of a
system, e.g. Loss of 1 FUEL TANK PUMP LH or RH but not both.
The advisory mode will not trigger any aural warning or ‘attention getters’ but a
message appears on the primary ECAM display.
The control panel allows selection of the display for system and status images.
The layout of the control panel is shown in Figure 38.
Figure 38
SGU Selector Switches: Controls the respective symbol generator units. Lights
are off in normal operation of the system. The
“FAULT” caption is illuminated amber if the SGU’s
internal self-test circuit detects a failure. Releasing the
switch isolates the corresponding SGU and causes the
“FAULT” caption to extinguish and the “OFF” caption
to illuminate white.
System Synoptic
Display Switches: Permit individual selection of synoptic diagrams
corresponding to each of the 12 systems and
illuminate white when pressed. A display is
automatically cancelled whenever a warning or
advisory occurs.
Figure 39
Figure 40
Figure 41
Figure 42
Figure 43
On the left part of the display an operational summary of the aircraft conditioning,
listing all the failures having consequences upon operational aspects, such as:
3. Limitations (Speed/Altitude).
6. Information.
On the right part of the display the so-called secondary failures or losses of
system/equipment resulting from the origin or primary failure.
There is a Fault Warning Computer (FWC) which generates the status messages.
Figure 44