PFCCS Flight Control Systems Test Bank Latest Update 2026
| Comprehensive Prep
1. Describe the conditions under which an autoland system is typically used in
aircraft.
The autoland system is used to assist with takeoff.
The autoland system is used during all phases of flight.
The autoland system is used under specific conditions, such as low
visibility or when the pilot is unable to land manually.
The autoland system is only used in emergencies.
2. Describe how proximity sensors contribute to the safety and efficiency of
slat/flap control systems in aircraft.
Proximity sensors adjust the cabin pressure for passenger comfort.
Proximity sensors monitor fuel levels to ensure optimal performance.
Proximity sensors control the aircraft's speed during takeoff.
Proximity sensors provide critical data on the position of slats and
flaps, which is essential for the control systems to operate
effectively and safely.
3. If a proximity sensor in the slat/flap control system fails, what potential
impact could this have on aircraft operation?
It could lead to improper operation of the slats and flaps, affecting
lift and control during flight.
It would only affect the cabin pressure system.
It would improve the efficiency of the fuel system.
It would have no impact on aircraft operation.
,4. If a pilot notices an abnormal reading in the aileron trim position on the
EICAS page during flight, what immediate action should they consider?
Switch to manual flight control without further checks.
Ignore the reading as it does not affect flight safety.
Investigate the aileron trim system for potential faults and adjust as
necessary to ensure safe flight control.
Increase engine thrust to compensate for the trim issue.
5. In modern air transport aircraft, how is basic system redundancy designed
into the flight controls?
By incorporating two control actuators powered by two
independent power sources.
By incorporating three control actuators powered by one
independent power source.
By incorporating one control actuator powered by three independent
power sources.
By incorporating the capacity for manual reversion using cables and
push rods
6. Describe the significance of the position detection system in the operation of
ground spoilers.
The position detection system is primarily for monitoring engine
performance.
The position detection system is crucial for ensuring that ground
spoilers deploy correctly, enhancing safety during landing.
The position detection system is used to measure fuel consumption
during flight.
, The position detection system helps in adjusting the aircraft's altitude.
7. If the Motor Control Electronics (MCE) fails during flight, what immediate
effect would this have on the aircraft's control surfaces?
Automatic switching to backup control systems
Loss of direct control inputs from the pilot and copilot trim switches
Increased responsiveness of the flight control surfaces
Enhanced stability of the aircraft during flight
8. Describe the significance of the upfloat check valve in maintaining aircraft
safety during hydraulic pressure loss.
The upfloat check valve is used to control the speed of the aircraft.
The upfloat check valve ensures that hydraulic fluid is always available
for the landing gear.
The upfloat check valve is crucial for preventing ground spoiler
upfloat, which could lead to loss of control during takeoff or
landing.
The upfloat check valve helps in increasing the hydraulic pressure in
the system.
9. Describe how the AFCU enhances the overall safety of flight control systems
in an aircraft.
The AFCU is responsible for the maintenance of cabin pressure during
flight.
The AFCU enhances safety by providing backup control, ensuring
that flight operations can continue even if the primary system fails.
The AFCU improves fuel efficiency by optimizing engine performance.
, The AFCU manages the aircraft's communication systems with air
traffic control.
10. In a scenario where the autopilot is engaged and the pilot presses the
AP/PTY switch, what immediate action should the pilot be prepared to take?
Engage the alternate flight control unit.
Activate the high lift system.
Adjust the attitude heading computer.
Manually control the aircraft.
11. What do Primary Flight Control Computers (PFCCs) primarily manage in an
aircraft?
Fuel management systems
Navigation systems
Flight control systems
Communication systems
12. What is the primary function of Circuit Protection Devices (CPDs) in flight
control systems?
Control the altitude of the aircraft
Manage fuel distribution
Protect individual circuits from overload and short circuits
Regulate the speed of the aircraft
13. In general jet transport aeroplanes with power assisted flight controls are
fitted with an adjustable stabiliser instead of trim tabs on the elevator. This is
because:
| Comprehensive Prep
1. Describe the conditions under which an autoland system is typically used in
aircraft.
The autoland system is used to assist with takeoff.
The autoland system is used during all phases of flight.
The autoland system is used under specific conditions, such as low
visibility or when the pilot is unable to land manually.
The autoland system is only used in emergencies.
2. Describe how proximity sensors contribute to the safety and efficiency of
slat/flap control systems in aircraft.
Proximity sensors adjust the cabin pressure for passenger comfort.
Proximity sensors monitor fuel levels to ensure optimal performance.
Proximity sensors control the aircraft's speed during takeoff.
Proximity sensors provide critical data on the position of slats and
flaps, which is essential for the control systems to operate
effectively and safely.
3. If a proximity sensor in the slat/flap control system fails, what potential
impact could this have on aircraft operation?
It could lead to improper operation of the slats and flaps, affecting
lift and control during flight.
It would only affect the cabin pressure system.
It would improve the efficiency of the fuel system.
It would have no impact on aircraft operation.
,4. If a pilot notices an abnormal reading in the aileron trim position on the
EICAS page during flight, what immediate action should they consider?
Switch to manual flight control without further checks.
Ignore the reading as it does not affect flight safety.
Investigate the aileron trim system for potential faults and adjust as
necessary to ensure safe flight control.
Increase engine thrust to compensate for the trim issue.
5. In modern air transport aircraft, how is basic system redundancy designed
into the flight controls?
By incorporating two control actuators powered by two
independent power sources.
By incorporating three control actuators powered by one
independent power source.
By incorporating one control actuator powered by three independent
power sources.
By incorporating the capacity for manual reversion using cables and
push rods
6. Describe the significance of the position detection system in the operation of
ground spoilers.
The position detection system is primarily for monitoring engine
performance.
The position detection system is crucial for ensuring that ground
spoilers deploy correctly, enhancing safety during landing.
The position detection system is used to measure fuel consumption
during flight.
, The position detection system helps in adjusting the aircraft's altitude.
7. If the Motor Control Electronics (MCE) fails during flight, what immediate
effect would this have on the aircraft's control surfaces?
Automatic switching to backup control systems
Loss of direct control inputs from the pilot and copilot trim switches
Increased responsiveness of the flight control surfaces
Enhanced stability of the aircraft during flight
8. Describe the significance of the upfloat check valve in maintaining aircraft
safety during hydraulic pressure loss.
The upfloat check valve is used to control the speed of the aircraft.
The upfloat check valve ensures that hydraulic fluid is always available
for the landing gear.
The upfloat check valve is crucial for preventing ground spoiler
upfloat, which could lead to loss of control during takeoff or
landing.
The upfloat check valve helps in increasing the hydraulic pressure in
the system.
9. Describe how the AFCU enhances the overall safety of flight control systems
in an aircraft.
The AFCU is responsible for the maintenance of cabin pressure during
flight.
The AFCU enhances safety by providing backup control, ensuring
that flight operations can continue even if the primary system fails.
The AFCU improves fuel efficiency by optimizing engine performance.
, The AFCU manages the aircraft's communication systems with air
traffic control.
10. In a scenario where the autopilot is engaged and the pilot presses the
AP/PTY switch, what immediate action should the pilot be prepared to take?
Engage the alternate flight control unit.
Activate the high lift system.
Adjust the attitude heading computer.
Manually control the aircraft.
11. What do Primary Flight Control Computers (PFCCs) primarily manage in an
aircraft?
Fuel management systems
Navigation systems
Flight control systems
Communication systems
12. What is the primary function of Circuit Protection Devices (CPDs) in flight
control systems?
Control the altitude of the aircraft
Manage fuel distribution
Protect individual circuits from overload and short circuits
Regulate the speed of the aircraft
13. In general jet transport aeroplanes with power assisted flight controls are
fitted with an adjustable stabiliser instead of trim tabs on the elevator. This is
because:
