As part of promoting aviation safety,
autopilots have come a long way in reducing pilot workload during appropriate
phases of flights. They are to be used as a resource in those instances, not as
a Band-Aid for poor pilotage. Pilots fly aircraft – autopilots simply aid in it
while the pilot monitors. There are a lot of myths floating around regarding
these systems. It is important to know the facts and limitations of them.
(Picture from my Persomal File)
Automatic Flight Control Systems (AFCS) can be
thought of as autopilots on steroids – they often incorporate automatic
aircraft pitch trim and in some cases rudder yaw dampening. With all these
elements combined, AFCS often have a higher performance level than basic
autopilots. Some of the most advanced systems in select models, installed
during manufacturing, are even capable of engine thrust control, full landing,
and roll out.
|
There was a very old teacher teaching PIA 7
member team how to understand autopilot system with the help of a schematic
diagram. At one point he asked me by name if I am following him or sleeping in
the class. Fortunately I responded that the current flow is opposite as being
told by teacher and he agreed after a short while proving my wake up while I was
not really. |
No comments:
Post a Comment