Aircraft Handling
^Fill In^
Topics discussed in this page:
· Aircraft systems and controls
o Overview of virtual aircraft systems
o Handling and control techniques in simulator
· Performance and limitations
o Virtual aircraft performance parameters
· Operational limits in the virtual environment
Aircraft systems and controls
Understanding of aircraft systems and flight controls is essential for safe and effective operation. This section will provide an overview of key systems and control mechanisms commonly found in airliners such as the Boeing, the Airbus, and many others.
Primary Flight Controls
- Ailerons - Control roll (bank left/right)
- Elevators - Control pitch (nose up/down)
- Rudder - Controls yaw (nose left/right)\
Secondary Flight Controls
- Flaps - Increase lift and drag (used for takeoff and landings)
- Slats - Forward wing surfaces that enhance lift at low speeds
- Spoilers(Speed Brakes) - Used for descent rate control
- Trim - Used to reduce pilot workload by adjusting the elevator in order to maintain steady flight
Fuel System
- Tanks - Usually located in the aircraft wings and center fuselage
- Fuel Pumps - Deliver fuel under pressure to engines
- Cross Feed Valves - Allow fuel to be shared between tanks
Electrical System
- Batteries - Used for emergency power and system startup
- Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) - Used for power on the ground or backup in flight
- Engine-Driven Generators - Main source of aircraft's power during flight
Hydraulic Systems
The hydraulic systems is used to power several systems throughout the aircraft that require hydraulic fluid to operate including
- Landing Gear
- Brakes
- Flaps/Slats
- Thrust Reversers
- Primary Flight Controls
Pneumatic and Bleed Air Systems
- APU Bleed - the APU Bleed air system can be used to run the air conditioners for the aircraft on the ground but more importantly it is used to power an air turbine starter motor in order to start engines
- Engine Bleed Air - The engine bleed air is used for many things including regulating cabin pressure, providing air for the aircraft air conditioning in flight, and the aircraft's anti-ice systems
Ice and Rain Protection
- Wing Anti-Ice - Uses hot bleed air from the engines to heat the wing surfaces
- Engine Anti-Ice - Protects engine nacelles/intakes
- Windshield Heat - Electric heating to prevent fog/ice
- Pitot Heat - Protects pitot tubes from icing
Navigation and Avionics
- FMS/MCDU - for route input and performance management
- GPS/IRS - Positioning systems
- Autopilot/Flight Director - Assist with heading,altitude,and vertical navigation
- Communication Radios - VHF/UHF for ATC comms