Questions tagged [avionics]
Avionics is applied electronics to aviation. Radars, radios, instruments, dashboards, they all belong to this category.
324
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Do any aircraft have a “self-contained ILS”?
The ILS is an invaluable aid to pilots, especially those operating to/from the many airports where poor weather is common (low-visibility operations would be completely impossible without an ILS); ...
2
votes
1answer
313 views
Are there any safety or technical reason airlines do not display flight information to passengers in real-time?
A newer addition to commercial airliners is seatback screens, that allow the passengers to watch movies, TV, and so forth. On most airlines, there is also a map, that shows you the aircraft's flight ...
6
votes
1answer
884 views
What sort of control mechanisms (i.e., PID controllers) do modern FBW aircraft use?
It's a well-established fact that aircraft like the Boeing 777, and all Airbus passenger aircraft that were designed after the A300, feature a digital fly-by-wire control system. Considering the ...
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2answers
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Was any MiG-29 modernized to incorporate digital systems?
Did any air force using the MiG-29 ever modernize their aircraft so that they can fly on fully digital equipment such as the following?
Digital HUD
Digital fly-by-wire
Digital navigation system
...
6
votes
1answer
137 views
Will the G1000 cut off transmission over 35 seconds?
I'm new on G1000 system, it says;
If the push-to-talk (PTT) Key becomes stuck, the COM transmitter stops
transmitting after 35 seconds of continuous operation.
I'm wondering if we keep speaking ...
9
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2answers
3k views
What are the fonts used in MCDU screens?
All MCDUs (and other screens) I've seen share a very similar, if not identical, set of fonts - a monospaced, sans-serif, very clean and easily readable font, often in two vertical sizes at the same ...
3
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0answers
214 views
What causes this error on the Collins 60A ADF system?
We've got a BAE Jetstream 32 equipped with a dual Collins 60A ADF system, and the co-pilot's side control head is:
displaying "FLAG 10" when we press the TEST button; We looked up the error code, ...
9
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3answers
614 views
Is it possible to load (and not activate) the approach procedure on a Garmin 1000 or 430?
I noticed sometimes when I fly with a G1000, or Garmin 430 and am doing multiple practice approaches I can't always load my next approach. It forces allows me to activate the approach, which would ...
3
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1answer
2k views
How do you calculate the range of a VHF transmitter that is on-board an aircraft?
I'm trying to calculate the range of a VHF transmitter on an aircraft output power 50W, frequency 130MHz, and reciever sensitivity of -100dBm.
The calculations I have made give me ridiculously high ...
3
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1answer
5k views
How do the VNAV and LNAV work on the 737NG?
So, I'm very confused. Im from a Cessna background, no FMC. So, based on my understanding, you could run the autopilot independent of the FMC right? With Speed mode, HDG SEL mode, and V/S mode, am I ...
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4answers
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Is the 737's autopilot part of the FMS or is it a separate entity?
I was watching a tutorial about the FMS and the autopilot in the 737, and I am consfused. I come from a Cessna background, where there is no FMS, there is only the AP (autopilot).
So, is the AP a ...
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1answer
206 views
What is the “A/B AUTO EXT” button for in a Falcon 7X?
What is the "A/B AUTO EXT" button in the overhead panel of the Dassault Falcon 7X? I see it's in the Flight Control section but I don't know what is its purpose.
(sorry for low quality image)
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1answer
78 views
How do you indicate whether the supply of power to the gyroscopic instruments is adequate? [closed]
Is there an instrument to indicate this?
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1answer
433 views
What is the ambient temperature used in RTCA/DO 160?
I was going through RTCA/DO 160D for some work-related issue. I went through the whole document but nowhere does it define what the "ambient temperature" value is? In one place it defines +15 to +35 ...
2
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1answer
360 views
How to keep a Garmin GTX330 turned off when powering on avionics?
There seems to be an option in the GTX 330 settings that keeps to unit from powering on when receiveing power from the power system.
I flew in two different airplanes and one immediately powered on ...
2
votes
1answer
676 views
How does a HUD track a runway?
I was looking at the FCOM of the 787, and I came across an interesting thing. There is an HUD takeoff selection on the SID selection page. It got me to wonder, how does the HUD track the runway from ...
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2answers
2k views
What is the standard power supply and voltage supply on modern airliners?
I'm looking at reducing the weight footprint of some of the computer systems on a commercial liner. A big consumer of weight seems to be in power supplies and conversion. Being a computer guy, I don't ...
2
votes
1answer
699 views
How do GLS avionics plot an entire accurate approach path?
I'm studying wireless navigation systems, especially GBAS. I have gone through some ICAO documents regarding GBAS. From what I have read, FAS data is included in Message Type 4. Closer examination of ...
7
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2answers
622 views
Why is an auditory alarm necessary when the autopilot disengages?
The FAA gives one requirement for the autopilot in the following FAR...
FAR §25.1329 Flight guidance system.
(j) Following disengagement of the autopilot, a warning (visual
and auditory) ...
7
votes
1answer
272 views
If a SID chart says “GPS… required”, can the plane use a different GNSS?
This US/FAA standard instrument departure says "Note: GPS or DME/DME/IRU required."
If the aircraft could tune into a different GNSS like GLONASS, could the pilot still legally fly the departure ...
2
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1answer
600 views
What is required to 'upgrade' software from DAL C to DAL A?
What are the things to be noted or considered if a software which was initially treated as DAL C and later wanted to be considered as DAL A?
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4answers
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What CPU does the F-16 use?
I've read that the "F-16", without it being specified what version, uses the 1750A CPU, it is on the list here, although without a citation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIL-STD-1750A
However, ...
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3answers
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Is VOR identification automated in modern avionics?
Is the VOR identification via audible Morse code automated in modern autopilots / avionics?
Or does a pilot in an A380 still sits in there, listens and compares the .-. .. -.. to her charts?
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1answer
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What is the difference between Body Pitch Rate and Inertial Pitch Rate?
ARINC 429 specifies two series of attitude rate labels for ADIRS/AHRS/IRS systems:
Body
326 : Body Pitch Rate
327 : Body Roll Rate
330 : Body Yaw Rate
Inertial
336 : Inertial Pitch Rate
337 : ...
3
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2answers
1k views
Aircraft data bus and computer system
What is a line replaceable unit (LRU) in an aircraft data bus system?
What kind of components are defined as LRU in a data bus system?
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2answers
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What requirements do A&Ps (AMT) have to work on avionics?
Is there any additional requirement for A&Ps to work on avionics or is that even a totally different license?
I just wonder why only a few A&Ps I met, also do avionics.
2
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1answer
388 views
Could simple fly-by-wire controls be installed in a prototype as quickly as a mechanical system with an autopilot?
It seems that fly-by-wire systems can take longer to get certified as the testing requirements are much more extensive. A prototype aircraft wouldn't have to pass these tests.
How much more time or ...
2
votes
1answer
269 views
What does Phase 3A mean for avionics?
I've learned about Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3 electrical systems. But recently I've faced an issue about replacement of Phase 3 Common Display System (CDS) Display Units (DUs) with new Phase 3A CDS ...
3
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1answer
1k views
Which radio altimeter is the Boeing 737NG call outs based on?
I'm wondering which of the two Radio Altimeters: Captain (left) or F/O (right), that the 737 does the RA callouts based on.
For instance, if the F/O's RA is slightly off, and passes 500ft before the ...
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1answer
3k views
What are the ICAO equipment codes for those Garmin units? [closed]
What are the ICAO equipment codes for those Garmin units?
Garmin G500 / 750 / 650 WAAS navigators?
3
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1answer
204 views
How frequently are avionics on large commercial aircraft updated?
How frequently are avionics on large commercial aircraft updated? And how are the systems updated?
3
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1answer
3k views
Does the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 have better resolution screens in the cockpit?
I know this is kind of a specific question so if nobody knows it's fine. Does anybody know if the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 has better resolution cockpit screens like PFD and ND? ( For the Airbus A320 ...
2
votes
3answers
280 views
What does “inertial” refer to in “inertial reference”?
An ADIRU makes use of air data reference and inertial reference. Inertial reference calculates the heading, position, ground speed and attitude. I was wondering why is it called inertial. Is it ...
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3answers
2k views
Are steam gauges more reliable than glass panels?
I have always had a deep appreciation for technology and the future and I encourage that technology should move us forward whether that be in aviation terms or otherwise but one question has been on ...
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2answers
1k views
Is it possible to isolate COM1 and COM2 on a Garmin G1000?
Is it possible to isolate COM1 to one pilot and COM2 to the other pilot?
When I'm getting the ATIS it's hard to listen to both COM channels sometimes depending on the amount of traffic.
I used to be ...
6
votes
1answer
574 views
How does EEC/FADEC recognize/anticipate engine acceleration/deceleration?
So I'm wondering, when the engine runs at idle and the pilot sets a higher thrust level, what exactly happens, that the EEC/FADEC recognizes, that I want to accelerate? My professor said, it's ...
8
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1answer
231 views
How does a PFD handle unphysically abrupt changes in the parameters it's displaying?
This question is about human factors requirements in the design of software components displaying instruments in a primary flight display. (It's not about how to implement the software.)
Let's take ...
0
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1answer
126 views
Should I connect the AR6203 COM radio to the GMA324 audio panel using symmetric or asymmetric wiring?
I have this little project to change the Audiopanel and COM to GMA342, GNS430 and Becker AR6203. Airplane is a Piper 28-181.
I would like to know if I have to connect the AR6203 to GMA342 in ...
3
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1answer
485 views
How is the drift corrected in INS-driven attitude/heading indicators?
(wikimedia.org) EFIS instruments during a test flight.
How is the drift (accumulated error) nullified in INS-driven attitude/heading indicators?
The related post 'How are attitude indicators kept ...
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1answer
660 views
Does a Boeing 737 NG have Air Data Modules for the standby Pitot probe and static pressure port?
In other words, how does the ISFD calculate the air data and IR parameters? Or is the ISFD an ADM by itself?
3
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1answer
892 views
Is a non-WAAS Garmin 530 certified for an LNAV/VNAV approach?
I may not understand all the details of what I'm asking but trying to wrap my head around it.
I am aware that before WAAS, some GPS aircraft were equipped to get vertical guidance by a Barocorrected ...
4
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0answers
252 views
What aircraft manufacturer uses an HSI with DME, VOR, and G/S in one Instrument?
Which aircraft manufacturer uses a horizontal situation indicator (HSI) with DME, Glide Slope, VOR, and ADF in one Instrument?
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2answers
8k views
How is varying modulation depth achieved by localizer ground transmitters?
An approaching aircraft's navigation receiver uses the difference in depth of modulation between the 90Hz and 150Hz signals which are amplitude modulated onto an RF carrier (on a channel between ...
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vote
2answers
833 views
Is the flight management system software independent from the hardware?
Is it possible to 'mix and match' hardware and software from different vendors to make a flight management system? I want to prepare a study about FMSes and I can see that there are several ...
6
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2answers
3k views
Why doesn't civil navigation equipment support TACAN?
Now even handheld aviation radios have GPS, VOR and ILS! I wonder why modern LCD screens with radios and navigation doesn't have TACAN? Is it coded, not useful, not certified or not used anymore? I ...
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2answers
219 views
Are there any failure-proof instruments on commercial airliners? [closed]
Let's assume worst case scenario - nighttime over the ocean, complete vacuum failure, perhaps complete electrical failure (in a "fly-by-pulley" plane perhaps), or at least avionics failure.
Is there ...
9
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2answers
437 views
What makes inertial guidance unsuitable for auto-land?
Above shows the performance of a Lockheed Martin civilian landing system developed in the mid-90s. It works by using the weather radar in SAR mode to update the INS, and the final 100 ft are flown by ...
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3answers
4k views
What kind of delay does the A320's fly-by-wire system add?
More precisely, I am wondering if there is any kind of data on how long it takes between moving the sidestick and observing a reaction on the ailerons or elevator. I know that the physical control ...
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1answer
247 views
Is there an FMC not connected to the AP/FD?
Is it possible to have an FMC to compute the performance and navigation without having it linked to an autopilot or flight director?
Does/did such setup exist?
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2answers
4k views
Airbus control architecture - where does the actual autopilot live?
I'd like to ask for confirmation about the A320 (and, generally, Airbus family) control architecture. The book Aircraft Systems provides the following
overview of A3XX computing architectures:
...
