MD-11 Flight Crew Operations Manual
k
Automatic Flight -
Description and Operation
Auto.10.5
Autopilot/Flight Director
Flight Director Engage/Disengage
The FD provides visual commands to fly the aircraft. The flight crew can
manually follow the commands or monitor the AP as it follows the commands.
Both FDs are always engaged unless selected off with the respective FLT DIR
OFF switch.
On the ground prior to takeoff, the FD takeoff mode engages automatically if
either FD is engaged. When the FDs are engaged, FD1 pitch and roll commands
are displayed on the Captain's PFD. FD2 pitch and roll commands are shown on
the First Officer's PFD.
Turning an FD off removes the command bars from the associated PFD, and resets
the mode (unless AP is on).
If an FD is turned off, then back on, the command bars will appear and the FD will
acquire the current mode of the AP or other FD.
If both APs and both FDs are off, turning on an FD will cause the FD to command:
• A roll to wings level.
• Heading hold.
• Vertical speed hold if climb/descent is more than 300 fpm or altitude hold
if climb/descent is less than 300 fpm.
Autopilot Engagement
Pushing the AUTO FLIGHT switch on the FCP controls the AP channels 1 and 2
as follows:
1. If neither AP channel (1 or 2) is engaged, the armed channel will engage.
2. After first AP engagement, each push transfers the AP channel between AP1
and AP2. The channel that is not engaged will be armed (unless inop).
3. If one of the AP channels is engaged and the other channel is inoperative, no
transfer will occur.
4. The engaged AP channel will appear on the PFD below the FMA (AP1 or
AP2).
The armed status alternates between the 2 AP channels to ensure equal use as
follows:
• After power application with neither AP engaged, the first channel to be
powered becomes the armed channel.
• If one AP is engaged and the other is not, the disengaged channel is
armed.
• The armed status will alternate each time the AP is disengaged.
• A failed channel will not arm.
Pushing the AUTO FLIGHT switch results in AP operation as follows:
October 02, 2006
To Next Page