Instrument System

Proper maintenance of aircraft instruments and instrument systems is essential to ensure accuracy, reliability, and safe flight operations. Certified technicians perform inspections, testing, and servicing in accordance with approved procedures and regulatory requirements. An FAA airframe and powerplant (A&P) technician is not qualified to do internal maintenance on instruments and related line-replaceable units (LRUs). This … Read more

Whether called a clock or a chronometer, an FAA-approved time indicator is required in the cockpit of IFR-certified aircraft. Pilots use a clock during flight to time maneuvers and for navigational purposes. The clock is usually mounted near the flight instrument group, often near the turn coordinator. It indicates hours, minutes, and seconds. For many … Read more

The Flight Management System (FMS) integrates navigation, performance, and automation functions to optimize aircraft operation throughout all phases of flight. The highest level of automated flight system is the Flight Management System (FMS). Companies operating aircraft for hire have specific operational goals. On-time performance, fuel conservation, and long engine and component life all contribute to … Read more

Automatic Flight Control Systems (AFCS) integrate autopilot, flight director, and navigation functions to provide advanced aircraft control and automation. An aircraft autopilot with many features and various autopilot related systems integrated into a single system is called an automatic flight control system (AFCS). These were formerly found only on high-performance aircraft. Currently, due to advances … Read more

Electronic flight instruments integrate multiple sources of flight and navigation data into a single display, improving situational awareness and reducing pilot workload. Electronic Attitude Director Indicator (EADI) EADI is an advanced version of traditional attitude indicators and electric attitude indicators. In addition to displaying the aircraft’s attitude, numerous other situational flight parameters are displayed. Most … Read more

In an effort to increase the safety of operating complicated aircraft, computers and computer systems have been incorporated. Flight instrumentation and engine and airframe monitoring are areas particularly well suited to gain advantages from the use of computers. They contribute by helping to reduce instrument panel clutter and focusing the pilot’s attention only on matters … Read more

Aircraft instruments require proper housing, installation, and handling to ensure accurate operation and reliability. In addition, correct power supply and range markings are essential for safe and effective use. Instrument Housings and Handling Various materials are used to protect the inner workings of aircraft instruments, as well as to enhance the performance of the instrument … Read more

A number of instruments inform the pilot of the aircraft’s condition and flight situations through the measurement of pressure. Pressure-sensing instruments can be found in the flight group and the engine group. They can be either direct reading or remote sensing. These are some of the most critical instruments on the aircraft and must accurately … Read more

Most autopilot systems consist of four basic components, along with various switches and auxiliary units. The four basic components are: sensing elements, computing element, output elements, and command elements. Many advanced autopilot systems contain a fifth element: feedback or follow-up. This refers to signals sent as corrections are being made by the output elements to advise … Read more