CHAPTER 4. Automated Flight Control

Automated Flight Control   4-1
Introduction 4-1
Autopilot Concepts 4-2
How To Use an Autopilot Function 4-2
Specification of Track and Altitude 4-2
Engagement of Autopilot Function 4-3
Verification of Autopilot Function Engagement 4-3
How Autopilot Functions Work 4-4
Determination of Control Movements Required To Achieve Goals 4-4
Carrying Out Control Movements 4-4
Flight Director 4-4
Flight Director Functions 4-4
Using the Flight Director (FD) 4-5
Flight Director Without Autopilot 4-5
Flight Director With Autopilot 4-5
Common Error: Blindly Following Flight Director Cues 4-5
Common Error: Confusion About Autopilot Engagement 4-5
Follow Route 4-5
Following a Route Programmed in the FMS 4-5
GPS Steering (GPSS) Function 4-6
Following a VOR Radial 4-6
Fly Heading 4-7
Maintain Altitude 4-7
Climbs And Descents 4-8
Vertical Speed 4-8
Vertical Speed with Altitude Capture 4-8
Catching Errors: Armed Modes Help Prevent Forgotten Mode Changes 4-8
Common Error: Failure To Arm the Altitude Mode 4-10
Awareness: Altitude Alerting Systems 4-10
Awareness: Automatic Mode Changes 4-10
Learning: The Importance of Understanding 4-10
Power Management 4-11
Essential Skills 4-11
Course Intercepts 4-11
Flying an Assigned Heading To Intercept a Course or VOR Radial 4-11
Essential Skills 4-11
Coupled Approaches 4-12
ILS Approaches 4-12
RNAV Approaches With Vertical Guidance 4-12
Power Management 4-13
Essential Skills 4-13
Deciding When To Use The FD/Autopilot 4-14
Miscellaneous Autopilot Topics 4-15
Autopilot Mode Awareness 4-15
Positive Exchange of Controls 4-15
Preflighting the Autopilot 4-15
Autopilot and Electric Trim System Failures 4-15
Essential Skills 4-15
Chapter Summary 4-16

 
 
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