Autopilot Demystified
HDG/VS 🆚 TRK/FPA
"Bird On." The circular push button at the center of the FCU adds the Flight Path Vector symbol to the PFD (also called "the Bird"). It represents the airplane's actual...
HDG/VS 🆚 TRK/FPA
"Bird On." The circular push button at the center of the FCU adds the Flight Path Vector symbol to the PFD (also called "the Bird"). It represents the airplane's actual...
What does it do when I push/pull a knob?
"A signature of Airbus autopilot Operation." The push/pull operations of the FCU knobs are an ingenious and sophisticated feature exclusive to Airbus airplanes. This revolutionary design has transformed the way...
What does it do when I push/pull a knob?
"A signature of Airbus autopilot Operation." The push/pull operations of the FCU knobs are an ingenious and sophisticated feature exclusive to Airbus airplanes. This revolutionary design has transformed the way...
What are those knobs on the FCU?
"32 clicks per revolution." Among the various flight parameters, there are four that are the most important: Speed, Direction, Altitude, and Vertical speed. Meanwhile, there are four knobs on the...
What are those knobs on the FCU?
"32 clicks per revolution." Among the various flight parameters, there are four that are the most important: Speed, Direction, Altitude, and Vertical speed. Meanwhile, there are four knobs on the...
Is an autopilot equivalent to an AI?
"The dawn of unmanned commercial flight." Image credit : Airbus The rapid advancement of AI technology in recent years has ushered in a new era of aviation safety. With cutting-edge...
Is an autopilot equivalent to an AI?
"The dawn of unmanned commercial flight." Image credit : Airbus The rapid advancement of AI technology in recent years has ushered in a new era of aviation safety. With cutting-edge...
What does autopilot do?
"Always have a plan B." The Airbus family airplanes generally incorporate two autopilots in their airplanes. AP1, which is associated with the left instruments, is normally used by the captain...
What does autopilot do?
"Always have a plan B." The Airbus family airplanes generally incorporate two autopilots in their airplanes. AP1, which is associated with the left instruments, is normally used by the captain...
What is a FCU?
"A human-machine interface designed with elegance." The FCU, or Flight Control Unit, is the central hub of modern airplane cockpits, allowing pilots to interface with the autopilot system and control...
What is a FCU?
"A human-machine interface designed with elegance." The FCU, or Flight Control Unit, is the central hub of modern airplane cockpits, allowing pilots to interface with the autopilot system and control...