A320 - Autoflight System (FCU - Flight Control Unit) PART 2

Summary

This module provides an in-depth look at the functions and controls of the Flight Control Unit (FCU) used in aircraft operations. It covers key aspects like speed, lateral, and vertical control, as well as the use of autopilot and auto thrust. The video explains the difference between the selected and managed modes, how pilots interact with the FCU, and the various knobs and buttons that control flight parameters. It also touches on specific features like the localizer, approach, and expedite push buttons, which play crucial roles during flight.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Flight Control Unit (FCU) is crucial for controlling various flight parameters including speed, lateral, and vertical control, as well as autopilot and autothrust selection.
• 🔄 The FCU operates in two modes: Selected Mode, where the pilot actively selects flight parameters, and Managed Mode, where the aircraft is controlled by pre-set parameters in the Flight Management Guidance Computer (FMGC).
• 📍 In Selected Mode, pilots activate by pulling the desired knob, while in Managed Mode, they push the knobs to let the computer control the flight according to parameters input through the Multipurpose Control Display Unit (MCDU).
• ✈️ The Altitude window always shows the altitude set by the crew, and the knob can be used to set altitude in increments that can be adjusted from 100 feet to 1000 feet.
• 🔢 The Speed Mock Control area includes a window, a speed mark push button, and a speed mark selector knob, allowing the pilot to set and display the aircraft's speed.
• 🔄 The Heading Track Selector knob functions by pulling to display current heading, turning to change the heading track, and pushing to return to LNAV (Lateral Navigation).
• 🔄 The Heading Vertical Speed Track Flight Path Angle push button switches the reference from heading vertical speed to track flight path angle, adjusting the display and flight director accordingly.
• 🔼 The Vertical area is divided into altitude and vertical speed/flight path angle controls, with the altitude control allowing the aircraft to return to a pre-planned vertical profile or disregard it for manual input.
• ⏫⏬ The Vertical Speed Flight Path Angle knob controls level off commands when pushed, selects vertical speed or flight path angle when pulled, and changes these values when turned.
• 🔑 Additional FCU push buttons include Localizer for tracking a localizer, Approach for ILS acquisition, and Expedite for maximum rate climb or descent, showcasing the unit's comprehensive control over flight dynamics.

Q & A

What is the primary function of the Flight Control Unit (FCU)?

The FCU is used for speed mock control, lateral control, vertical control, autopilot and/or auto thrust selection.

How many different operation modes can the FCU system be operated in?

The FCU system can be operated in two different modes: Selected Mode and Managed Mode.

What does the pilot need to do in the Selected Mode?

In the Selected Mode, the pilot must continuously select how he wants the airplane to fly, including speed, heading, and vertical speed.

How can the pilot activate the Selected Mode?

To activate the Selected Mode, the pilot pulls the desired knob outward.

What happens in the Managed Mode in terms of airplane control?

In the Managed Mode, the computers control the airplane according to parameters previously input into the FMGC through the MCDU.

Why are the speed and heading windows filled with dashes in the Managed Mode?

The windows are filled with dashes because the FMGC is controlling speed and lateral navigation, and the pilot is not manually selecting these parameters.

What is the purpose of the speed mark selector knob in the speed mock control area?

The speed mark selector knob controls several functions, including displaying the current aircraft speed and setting a speed in the window.

How does the heading track selector knob function?

The heading track selector knob can be pulled to display the present aircraft heading, turned to change the heading track, or pushed to allow the aircraft to return to LNAV.

What is the use of the heading vertical speed track flight path angle push button?

The push button is used to change the reference from heading vertical speed to track flight path angle.

How does the altitude window function in the vertical area?

The altitude window always shows the altitude set by the crew and can be changed by turning, pushing, or pulling the altitude selector knob.

What is the purpose of the metric altitude push button?

The metric altitude push button is used to display the selected altitude in meters on the permanent data section of the ECAM system display.

What does the Localizer push button do?

The Localizer push button is used to acquire and track a localizer, with green lights indicating when the function is engaged.

What is the function of the Approach push button?

The Approach push button enables the acquisition and tracking of an ILS localizer and glideslope, and can also be used to apply a non-precision approach in the approach NAV mode.

What command does the Expedite push button give?

The Expedite push button commands a maximum rate climb or a maximum speed descent, adjusting the aircraft's pitch and speed accordingly.

What are the additional push buttons on the FCU for?

The additional push buttons on the FCU are for autopilot and auto thrust features, which will be discussed in more detail in specific modules.

Outlines

00:00

🛫 Flight Control Unit Functions Overview

This paragraph introduces the Flight Control Unit (FCU) and its primary functions, which include speed and mode control, lateral and vertical control, autopilot, and auto thrust selection. It explains the two operational modes of the system: selected mode, where the pilot actively chooses the flight parameters, and managed mode, where the Flight Management and Guidance Computer (FMGC) controls the aircraft based on pre-set parameters. The FCU features various controls such as the speed mark selector, heading track selector, and push buttons for altitude and vertical speed adjustments. The paragraph also covers the altitude setting process, the use of speed and mock indicators, and the transition between heading vertical speed and track flight path angle modes.

05:05

📊 Vertical Navigation and Control Features

The second paragraph delves into the vertical control aspects of the FCU, focusing on altitude and vertical speed or flight path angle settings. It describes the altitude window's function, which always displays the crew-set altitude and can revert to the pre-planned vertical profile when activated. The paragraph explains the dual functionality of the altitude selector knob, with an inner ring for setting altitude and an outer ring for adjusting altitude increments. Additionally, it covers the use of the vertical speed or flight path angle knob, which can command a level off, select a vertical speed or flight path angle, and change these settings. The paragraph also touches on the approach phase, demonstrating how to set and display flight path angles and vertical speeds, and concludes with a brief mention of other FCU push buttons, such as the localizer, approach, and expedite buttons, as well as a note on the autopilot and auto thrust features to be discussed in later modules.

Keywords

💡Flight Control Unit (FCU)

The Flight Control Unit (FCU) is a central component in an aircraft's cockpit used for controlling various aspects of flight. It is pivotal to the video's theme as it is the main focus of the module. The script describes its functions such as speed, lateral, and vertical control, as well as autopilot and auto-thrust selection. For example, the FCU is used for 'speed mock control, lateral control, vertical control, autopilot and or auto thrust selection'.

💡Selected Mode

Selected Mode is one of the operational modes of the FCU where the pilot actively selects how the airplane should fly in terms of speed, heading, and vertical speed. It is a key concept in the script as it allows for manual control. The script mentions that in this mode, 'numbers will appear in the windows under speed, heading etc.' and is activated by pulling the desired knob outward.

💡Managed Mode

Managed Mode is an alternative operational mode of the FCU where the aircraft's flight is controlled by the computer based on pre-set parameters. It is significant to the video's content as it showcases automated flight control. The script states that in this mode, 'the computers control the airplane according to parameters previously input into the FMGC through the MCDU'.

💡FMGC

FMGC stands for Flight Management Guidance Computer, which is responsible for controlling speed and lateral navigation in the aircraft. It is integral to the video's narrative as it works in conjunction with the FCU in Managed Mode. The script explains that 'because the FMGC is controlling speed, and lateral navigation etc those windows are closed meaning they are filled with dashes'.

💡Altitude

Altitude is the height of the aircraft above a fixed reference point, such as mean sea level. It is a fundamental concept in the script as it is a parameter that the pilot must always set. The script describes the altitude setting process, 'the altitude window is never dashed, because the pilot must always set the cleared altitude'.

💡Speed Mock Control

Speed Mock Control is a function of the FCU that allows the pilot to control the aircraft's speed or Mach number. It is a key aspect of the video's educational content as it explains how to set and display speed. The script details this by stating, 'the speed mark selector controls several functions... you can set a speed in the window by rotating the selector knob'.

💡Heading Track Selector

The Heading Track Selector is used to control the aircraft's heading and to make changes to its flight path. It is a crucial part of the FCU as it relates to lateral control. The script illustrates its functions, 'if you pull it the present aircraft heading will appear in the window, if you turn it the heading track will change'.

💡Vertical Speed

Vertical Speed refers to the rate at which an aircraft climbs or descends, measured in feet per minute. It is a key concept in the script as it is part of the vertical control. The script demonstrates its use, 'the window is now showing a vertical speed notice how the minus 700 feet per minute vertical speed is indicated'.

💡Flight Path Angle

Flight Path Angle is the angle between the aircraft's flight path and the horizontal plane. It is an important concept in the script as it relates to the vertical navigation. The script explains its selection, 'to set a flight path angle value, you must first pull the selector knob'.

💡Autopilot and Auto Thrust

Autopilot and Auto Thrust are features that automate the control of the aircraft's flight and engine thrust, respectively. They are significant to the video's theme as they represent advanced flight control systems. The script mentions that 'autopilot and auto thrust features will be discussed in more detail in specific modules'.

Highlights

The Flight Control Unit (FCU) is essential for speed, lateral, and vertical control, as well as autopilot and auto thrust selection.

The FCU can operate in two modes: Selected Mode and Managed Mode, each with different pilot responsibilities.

In Selected Mode, pilots continuously select flight parameters such as speed, heading, and vertical speed.

The Managed Mode allows the computer to control the airplane based on pre-set parameters through the FMGC and MCDU.

The Altitude window always displays the crew-set altitude and uses an inner and outer ring for altitude setting and increment changes.

Speed Mock Control includes a window, a speed mark push button, and a selector knob for setting and displaying current aircraft speed.

The Heading Track Selector knob allows for displaying current heading, changing heading track, and returning to LNAV.

The Heading Vertical Speed Track Flight Path Angle Push Button changes the reference from heading vertical speed to track flight path angle.

In Track Flight Path Angle mode, the flight director display on the PFD changes accordingly to reflect the new reference.

The Vertical Speed Flight Path Angle knob controls level off commands, vertical speed or flight path angle selection, and changes in these parameters.

The Altitude selector knob can be pushed for a return to pre-planned vertical profile or pulled for disregarding it.

The Metric Altitude Push Button displays the selected altitude in meters on the ECAM system display.

Approach phase demonstration shows the use of vertical speed by path angle and the corresponding changes on the FCU.

The Localizer Push Button is used for acquiring and tracking a localizer, indicated by green lights when engaged.

The Approach Push Button enables ILS localizer and glideslope tracking, and non-precision approach application in approach nav mode.

The Expedite Push Button commands maximum rate climb or descent with specific speed and thrust settings.

Autopilot and Auto Thrust features are controlled by dedicated push buttons on the FCU and will be detailed in specific modules.

Transcripts

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

let's look specifically at the functions

and controls of the flight control unit

which is the subject of this module

the fcu is used for

speed mock control

lateral control

vertical control

autopilot and or auto thrust selection

let's take a closer look at these

controls

the system can be operated in two

different ways in the selected mode or

in the managed mode

in the selected mode the pilot must

continuously select how he wants the

airplane to fly speed heading vertical

speed

when in selected mode numbers will

appear in the windows under speed

heading etc

to activate the selected mode the pilot

pulls the desired knob outward

in the managed mode the computers

control the airplane according to

parameters previously input into the

fmgc through the mcdu

because the fmgc is controlling speed

and lateral navigation etc those windows

are closed meaning they are filled with

dashes

to activate the managed mode the pilot

simply pushes the appropriate knobs

the altitude window is never dashed

because the pilot must always set the

cleared altitude standard ual procedure

governs the setting of altitude

notice that the knob actually has two

different selectors an inner ring is

used to set the altitude in the window

an outer ring is used to change the

altitude increments

the knob increment goes from 100 feet

not too sensitive to 1000 feet very

sensitive

let's start with the speed mock control

area it comprises a window

a speed mark push button

and a speed mark selector knob

the speed mark selector controls several

functions this is common to all

selectors found on the fcu

when you pull the speed knob the speed

shown in the window is the current

aircraft speed

you can set a speed in the window by

rotating the selector knob the selected

speed is displayed in the window

if you push the knob the dashes you see

in the window mean that the airplane is

now in the manage speed mode and is

following the pre-planned performance

profile

the current aircraft speed can be

indicated in either speed or mock by

pushing the speed mark push button

the current selection is clearly

indicated by a speed or mock legend on

the display

the heading track selector knob also has

several functions it can be pulled

turned or pushed

if you pull it the present aircraft

heading will appear in the window

if you turn it the heading track will

change

if you push it it will allow the

aircraft to return to lnav

the heading vertical speed track flight

path angle push button is used to change

the reference from heading vertical

speed to track flight path angle

the current selection is clearly marked

by heading vertical speed on the fcu

display

change heading vertical speed to track

flight path angle

heading vertical speed legends have now

been replaced by a track flight path

angle legends and the current heading

has changed to the current track

when in the track flight path angle mode

there is a corresponding change in the

flight director display on the pfd

we will now look at the vertical area

the vertical area is divided into two

parts the first one relates to altitude

the second one to vertical speed flight

path angle

let's look at altitude first

the altitude window always shows the

altitude set by the crew

this knob can also be turned pushed or

pulled if you push it the aircraft will

return to the pre-planned vertical

profile or v-nav

if you pull it the pre-planned vertical

profile is disregarded

by turning the altitude selector knob

the setting in the window changes

this knob is actually two different

selectors

an inner ring is used to set the

altitude in the window

an outer ring to change the altitude

increment from 100 feet to 1000 feet

we have already seen the metric altitude

push button in the eis chapter

we will just remind you that this push

button is used to display the selected

altitude written in meters on the

permanent data section of the ecam

system display

the vertical speed flight path angle

knob can also be turned pushed or pulled

when pushed it commands a level off when

pulled it selects a vertical speed or

flight path angle

when turned it changes the vertical

speed or flight path angle

however if it is not pushed or pulled

the window will close after 30 seconds

at this point we will go to the approach

phase to demonstrate the use of vertical

speed by path angle

we have selected track flight path angle

speed 210 knots altitude 4000 feet and

the aircraft is in the nav

mode to set a flight path angle value

you must first pull the selector knob

as soon as the vertical speed flight

path angle selector knob is pulled the

flight path angle window indicates the

current flight path angle and the

aircraft is descending

note how the three degree angle is

written and notice the minus sign

indicating a descent

a climb would be indicated by a plus

sign

now change the display to a vertical

speed by pushing the heading track

vertical speed flat path angle push

button

the window is now showing a vertical

speed notice how the minus 700 feet per

minute vertical speed is indicated

there are several other push buttons

located on the fcu let's take a brief

look at them

the localizer push button is used to

acquire and track a localizer when this

function is engaged green lights are

displayed on the push button

the approach push button enables the

acquisition and tracking of an ils

localizer and glideslope it is also used

to apply a non-precision approach in the

approach nav mode

when engaged green lights are displayed

on the push button

the expedite push button commands a

maximum rate climb or a maximum speed

descent

for climb the aircraft pitches up and

climbs at green dot speed at climb

thrust for descent the aircraft descends

at 340 knots with power at thrust idle

the last push buttons on the fcu are the

autopilot and auto thrust

autopilot and auto thrust features will

be discussed in more detail in specific

modules

[Music]

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