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Instrument Systems Flashcards

6 cards from real AET practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 Instrument Systems flashcards as text

  1. What does an Air Data Computer (ADC) primarily compute?

    Answer: Airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, and Mach number from pitot-static data

    An ADC processes pitot and static pressure inputs to compute calibrated airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, Mach number, and outside air temperature.

  2. What type of sensor is used to measure outside air temperature (OAT) in avionics systems?

    Answer: Platinum resistance thermometer (PRT/TAT probe)

    Aviation OAT/TAT probes typically use platinum resistance thermometers (PRTs), which provide accurate temperature measurement based on resistance change.

  3. What is the function of an Inertial Reference System (IRS)?

    Answer: Measure and integrate accelerations to determine attitude, heading, and position

    An IRS uses accelerometers and gyroscopes (or ring laser gyros) to measure motion and compute aircraft attitude, heading, velocity, and position without external references.

  4. Which instrument displays a combination of attitude, heading, and navigation information on a single screen?

    Answer: EFIS/PFD (Primary Flight Display)

    A Primary Flight Display (PFD) on an EFIS-equipped aircraft combines attitude, airspeed, altitude, heading, and navigation data on one integrated screen.

  5. What does RVSM stand for and why is accurate altimetry critical for it?

    Answer: Reduced Vertical Separation Minima — aircraft must maintain altitude within ±60 ft

    RVSM (Reduced Vertical Separation Minima) reduces vertical separation to 1,000 ft between FL290–FL410, requiring altimetry accuracy within ±60 ft to prevent conflicts.

  6. What is the purpose of a pitot heater in the aircraft instrument system?

    Answer: Prevent ice formation in the pitot tube that would cause false airspeed readings

    The pitot heater electrically warms the pitot tube to prevent ice accumulation that could block the pressure sensing port and cause erroneous airspeed indications.