AUTOMATIC FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM SERIES

As noted above, modern fly-by-wire systems are beginning to blur the boundaries. In modern fly-by-wire aircraft, it provides input directly to the FCS as the FCS already has the necessary actuators.Īuto Throttle provides throttle adjustments to meet speed targets from the FMC or MCP.īy the ATA standard, the FMS, AFCS, and FCS are three distinct systems.

AUTOMATIC FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM SERIES

In older aircraft, the autopilot steers by using a series of special actuators to manipulate the controls. This steering will steer the aircraft to the path defined by the FMC, or it can steer to a simple path entered by the pilot directly into the AFCS via the MCP. It provides control inputs into the flight controls (ATA Chapter 27) or in the case of the Flight Director, it generates a display that directs the pilot to make the needed control inputs. The AFSC computes the necessary control inputs to fly the aircraft along the defined path and meet targets. This includes engaging, sensing, computing,Īmplifying, controlling, actuating and warning devices such asĪmplifiers, computers, servos, limit switches, clutches, gear boxes, The throttles to properly manage engine power during all phases ofįlight/attitude. That portion of the system that automatically controls the position of

Includes power source devices, interlocking devices and amplifying,Ĭomputing, integrating, controlling, actuating, indicating and warningĭevices such as computers, servos, control panels, indicators, warningĬhapter 22 AUTO FLIGHT, section 30 Auto Throttle

Pitch/roll/yaw axis or wing lift characteristics and provide visualĬues for flight path guidance, i.e.: Integrated Flight Director. That portion of the system that uses radio/radar signals, directionalĪnd vertical references, air data pitotstatic, computed flight pathĭata, or manually induced inputs to the system to automaticallyĬontrol the flight path of the aircraft through adjustment to the Autopilot includes the Flight Director.Ĭhapter 22 AUTO FLIGHT, section 10 Autopilot The AFCS has two major components, autopilot and auto throttle. The AFCS is functionally independent from the FMS and primary flight control system (FCS), though it is sometimes physically integrated with one or the other or both. The other input source is by crew input via the Mode Control Panel (MCP). The FMS is one source of path and target (altitude and or speed) data for the AFCS. The FM function outputs a desired path and guidance data to the displays and AFCS. Includes items such as course computers, flight managementĬomputers, performance data computers, and associated control display Or manage the aircraft's geographical position or theoretical flight That portion of the system which combines navigational data to compute The FMS supports flight planning (path definition) and integrated position determination.Ĭhapter 34 NAVIGATION, section 60 Flight Management Computing. It is part of the larger Navigation system which includes the aircraft attitude, air data, and positioning sensors. The FMS is the primary tool for managing the navigation. To your specific question, the ATA spec lists the following: Most large aircraft manufacturers and airlines use the ATA Standard Numbering System in organizing their maintenance documentation.

Since you are studying maintenance, I would suggest you obtain a copy of ATA iSpec 2200, Information Standards for Aviation Maintenance ATA Standard Numbering System.

Automatic flight control system