Flight Instrumentation and Avionics Exam

ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

Flight Instrumentation and Avionics Exam

The Flight Instrumentation and Avionics Exam assesses your understanding of the essential systems and instruments used in aviation, including their functions, operations, and troubleshooting. Below is a detailed study guide to prepare for this exam.

Key Topics to Study

1. Flight Instrumentation Overview

Primary Flight Instruments:
- Airspeed Indicator (ASI):
  - Measures the aircraft’s speed relative to the surrounding air.
  - Types: Indicated airspeed (IAS), true airspeed (TAS), calibrated airspeed (CAS).
- Attitude Indicator (AI):
  - Displays the aircraft’s orientation relative to the horizon (pitch and roll).
- Altimeter:
  - Measures the aircraft’s altitude based on atmospheric pressure.
  - Types: Pressure altimeter (standard 29.92 inHg) and adjustable altimeter for local settings.
- Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI):
  - Displays the rate of climb or descent in feet per minute (fpm).
- Heading Indicator (HI):
  - Shows the aircraft's current heading or direction.
- Turn Coordinator (TC):
  - Indicates the rate of turn and the quality of the turn (standard or uncoordinated).
- Magnetic Compass:
  - Provides the aircraft's heading based on the Earth's magnetic field.

2. Advanced Flight Instruments

Glass Cockpit:
- Digital flight displays (DFDs) replace traditional analog instruments.
- Primary Flight Display (PFD): Combines the ASI, AI, VSI, and altimeter into one display.
- Multi-Function Display (MFD): Provides additional information, such as navigation, weather, and engine data.
Flight Director (FD):
- Provides steering commands to the pilot to follow a flight plan.
Auto-pilot Systems:
- Automatically controls the aircraft's flight path based on set parameters.
- Can manage altitude, heading, course, and vertical speed.
Glass vs. Traditional Instruments:
- Differences in reliability, maintenance, and use in various flight conditions.

3. Navigation Instruments

VOR (Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range):
- A ground-based navigation aid that provides directional guidance to pilots.
DME (Distance Measuring Equipment):
- Measures the distance between the aircraft and a ground station.
GPS (Global Positioning System):
- Satellite-based system for precise navigation and positioning.
ADF/NDB (Automatic Direction Finder/Non-Directional Beacon):
- A navigational aid that uses radio signals to help pilots determine their position.
ILS (Instrument Landing System):
- A ground-based system providing precise lateral and vertical guidance to aircraft for landing.

4. Avionics Systems

Communication Systems:
- VHF Radio: For voice communication with ATC and other aircraft.
- HF Radio: Used for long-range communication, often over oceans.
- Transponder: Sends aircraft information (position, altitude) to ATC.
- Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B):
  - A surveillance technology that provides real-time tracking of aircraft.
Weather Radar and TAS (Traffic Advisory System):
- Weather radar systems help pilots detect weather hazards (precipitation, turbulence).
- Traffic advisory systems display nearby aircraft and provide collision avoidance alerts.
Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS):
- Provides traffic advisories (TAs) and resolution advisories (RAs) to avoid potential collisions.
Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS):
- Warns pilots of potential terrain or obstacle collisions.

5. Electrical and Power Systems

Aircraft Power Supply:
- Battery: Provides power during engine start and emergency situations.
- Alternator/Generator: Produces electrical power when the engine is running.
- Bus Bars: Distribute electrical power to avionics and flight instruments.
Circuit Breakers:
- Protect the electrical system from overload or faults.

6. Flight Data Monitoring and Recording

Flight Data Monitoring Systems (FDMS):
- Continuously monitor and record critical flight parameters (speed, altitude, heading).
Black Boxes (Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder):
- Record flight data and cockpit conversations for accident investigation.

7. Instrument and Avionics Troubleshooting

Diagnosing Instrument Failures:
- Identifying failure of instruments such as ASI, AI, VSI, or altimeter.
- Use of backup systems (e.g., standby instruments).
Common Avionics Failures:
- GPS failure, radar or transponder malfunctions, or loss of communication.

8. Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and Procedures

Flying under IFR:
- Understanding how flight instruments are used during instrument approaches and navigation.
Procedures for Approach:
- Using ILS, RNAV, and other precision approach systems to land under low visibility conditions.
Lost Communication:
- Procedures for continuing flight in case of lost communication with ATC.

Sample Questions

Multiple Choice:
Which of the following instruments provides the aircraft’s orientation relative to the horizon?
- A. Airspeed Indicator
- B. Attitude Indicator
- C. Altimeter
- D. Vertical Speed Indicator
(Correct Answer: B - Attitude Indicator)
True/False:
The Turn Coordinator shows the rate of turn and the coordination of the aircraft’s turn.
(Correct Answer: True)
Scenario Question:
During your flight, the primary flight display (PFD) fails, but you are still able to see the standby attitude indicator. What actions should you take?
Fill-in-the-Blank:
The __________ provides precise lateral and vertical guidance during an instrument approach, often used in low-visibility conditions.
(Correct Answer: ILS - Instrument Landing System)
Practical Problem:
While flying, your airspeed indicator shows a sudden decrease, but you notice no corresponding changes in engine power or other indications. What steps would you take to verify and troubleshoot the problem?

Study Tips

Familiarize with Instrument Functions:
- Learn how each instrument works and how to interpret its readings.
Understand Avionics Systems:
- Study the different communication, navigation, and surveillance systems (e.g., ADS-B, TCAS, GPS).
Review IFR Procedures:
- Practice using flight instruments for IFR navigation and approaches.
Practice Troubleshooting:
- Learn standard procedures for handling instrument or avionics failures, including the use of backup systems.
Simulate Real-World Scenarios:
- Use flight simulators or training apps to practice interpreting and reacting to instrument and avionics issues.