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How do you confirm all autopilot, FD, and A/THR inputs?

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User Ooker
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Final answer:

To confirm autopilot, Flight Director (FD), and Autothrottle (A/THR) inputs, pilots utilize the aircraft's SOPs, cross-checking the input values with the aircraft's FCU or PFD and ensuring they align with the flight plan. Specific procedures can vary by aircraft, but typically involve verifying parameters like altitude, speed, heading, and thrust limits, and consulting the autopilot status display for active modes.

Step-by-step explanation:

To confirm all autopilot, Flight Director (FD), and Autothrottle (A/THR) inputs, you should refer to the aircraft's standard operating procedures (SOPs). Verification typically involves cross-checking the input values with either the corresponding displays on the Flight Control Unit (FCU) or the primary flight display (PFD) and ensuring that they match the intended values set by the pilot. The procedure may vary depending on the specific aircraft model and its avionics.

During pre-flight, pilots will cross-check and set the necessary parameters such as altitude, speed, heading, and vertical speed on the FCU. These values, once set, will be reflected on the PFD. The pilots then verify these values by checking that they correspond with the flight plan and the required flight profile.

For the autothrottle, pilots need to confirm that the thrust limits and modes displayed on the engine display correspond with the phase of flight, like takeoff, climb, cruise, or approach. Additionally, depending on the aircraft, there may be an autopilot/automation status display where pilots can confirm the modes that are active and commanding the aircraft.

Confirming all these inputs is crucial for maintaining aircraft safety and ensuring that the automation behaves as expected. It also contributes to crew situational awareness. Always consult the aircraft's flight manual for specific instructions on how to confirm the autopilot, FD, and A/THR inputs for your specific aircraft type.

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User Olalekan Ajayi
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