Category: Flight Instruments

Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder Introduction to FDR Flight data recorder preserves aircraft data for accident investigation Trend analysis and trouble shooting is also done using data from FDR FDR records data for 10 to 25 hours of flight data and kept in Black box Black box is painted red or orange and is located in tail fin The container is resistant to fire, heat, shock and water damage Tail fin location reduces damage due to G forces in an accident Components of FDR Flight data recorder is…

Airborne Collision Avoidance System Introduction to ACAS Airborne collision avoidance system is called Traffic collision avoidance system TCAS II is mandatory for all commercial aircraft with 19 passengers or more TCAS II detects, assesses and warns of collision risk Warnings consist of Traffic and Resolution Advisories Traffic Advisories provide proximity traffic information only. Resolution Advisories offer maneuvering advice in the vertical plane. Principle of ACAS ACAS works on the principle of secondary radar in air to air mode Minimum requirement for ACAS are Mode A SSR transponders Frequencies used is…

Ground Proximity Warning System Introduction to GPWS Ground proximity warning system prevents controlled flight into terrain Warns of proximity to the terrain which are potential threats to safety Operates in height band 50 to 2450 feet, which is same as radio altimeter Automatic selection of operation mode based on flight profile Radio altimeter, Mach meter, ADC and Glidepath provide inputs Undercarriage, Flaps and Navigation systems also provide inputs Stages of GPWS Warnings GPWS warnings fall under two categories Alert is a caution which means advisory instructions. Warnings are commands which…

Warning Systems Visual Warning Systems Warning systems gets inputs from GPWS, TCAS, Engine and Aircraft systems Alerts the crew to danger levels in the order of their priority Level A are red lights and require immediate attention Level B are amber lights requiring crew alertness and possible action Level C are in other colours requiring crew alertness without any action Types of Visual Warning Systems Warnings are displayed as warning flags or danger lights Electronic Flight Information System may display warnings as symbols Master warning lights are attention getters which…

Future Air Navigation System Global Navigation Satellite Systems FANS A1 provides communication, navigation and surveillance system Provides positive control over oceans & polar regions GNSS and Data link are used to provide efficient air-ground communications Automatic Dependent Surveillance Automatic dependent surveillance automatically sends data ATS unit receives the communication using VHF and UHF frequencies FANS-B2 FANS B2 is an improved system of FANS Provides unique digital link address for all aircrafts CPDLC CPDLC Data link messages have a fixed format Messages are activated by pilot or controllers CPDLC messages are…

Head Up Display Components of Head Up Display HUD presents flight information and guidance in a pilot’s visual line of sight In critical phases of flight, like take off or landing the system is very useful Head Up Display system consists of four components Display controller to control various modes Display guidance computer to generate symbology Overhead unit which is a projector Combiner which is a glass screen to reflect displays to pilot Ambient light sensor controls brightness and adjusts display brightness Display brightness is adjusted as per lighting in…