AUTOFLIGHT, CAT I
Description
Aircraft Operations Manual
3.1
S
PAGE
6
Jun 01/19
2.
MAIN COMPONENTS AND SUBSYSTEMS
2.1
Flight Control Computer (FCC)
The FD/AP computer is the heart of the flight con-
trol system. The signals received from various other
systems are converted into command signals ac-
cording to the selected mode of operation.
Command signals are fed to the FD command bars
for display of pitch and roll steering. With the AP
engaged, identical signals are transformed for actu-
ation of the rudder, aileron and elevator servo and
also the elevator and rudder trim system. See
Fig. 1. FGAS system schematic.
2.2
Mode Select Panel (MSP)
Located on the glareshield panel. Contains push
buttons for selection of FD lateral and vertical
modes. All buttons except 1/2 BANK mode have
only on
−
function, i.e a mode can only be deselected
by selection of another mode. Half bank mode (if
installed) button has an on/off function.
2.3
Autopilot Panel (APP)
Located on the pedestal. Contains engage/disen-
gage levers for AP and YD and controls for heading
and vertical speed changes.
2.4
NAV source selection
There are two navigation source selection push but-
tons with built in indicators (NAV S.L. and NAV
S.R.) on the glareshield panel. The push buttons
are used to couple left or right navigation source as
input to the FD/AP.
2.5
Altitude Preselector Alerter (APA)
The altitude preselect mode causes the system to
capture the altitude selected on the preselector/
alerter. Any other vertical mode may be used prior
to altitude capture.
At capture, other vertical modes are cleared and
command signals are generated to level off the air-
craft at the selected altitude. For the altitude alert
function, see AOM 12/1.1, AIR DATA SYSTEM.
2.6
Vertical Navigation Indicator (VNI)
(if installed)
The Vertical Navigation Indicator/computer (VNI)
serves as a vertical speed indicator. In addition it
computes data for vertical navigation to be used by
the FCC.
The VNI can also be used in conjunction with the
Altitude Preselector for automatic capture of selec-
ted altitude.