PS1 provides the opportunity to go through the various mode changes in critical flight phases: Monitor the Autoland progress (fail operational and fail passive), try out single and multiple channel Go-Arounds (rudder control!), monitor the various mode changes during take-off (with FMC functions or only with the MCP tools), cross-check VNAV climb /descent /level-off commands, configure the system for the localizer and glideslope capture, and so on. You have to scan your instruments with the same timing as on the real aircraft. All procedures are running in real time with the smooth inertia and performance behaviour of the -400.

PS1 simulates the Mode Control Panel (MCP), the interface to the FMC (VNAV, LNAV, thrust management functions), and the associated mode annunciations on EFIS/EICAS. All autothrottle modes, roll modes, pitch modes and all standard thrust limit modes* are available. Mode engagement /disengagement conditions, inhibits, capture criteria and automatic mode changes are being computed according to the real 744 system logic.

Autoflight malfunctions can be simulated as well. The simulated FCCs command their respective hydraulically powered autopilot control servos. The FCCs themselves are powered by their respective AC busses. All EICAS alert and status messages of the automatic flight system are implemented.

Limitations in version 1.3: The F/D source selector is not displayed on the screen, but the simulation itself automatically selects either FCC L, C or R depending on which FCC is operative (assistant function of the simulator). If all three FCCs are inop. the AFDS fails completely like on the real aircraft.

* TO-B ("bump") and TO-3 are not included in PS1 (only very few airlines have these extra modes).

Sample screen shots: Engine failure during take-off

TO/GA switch pushed. A/T mode is THR REF. Thrust mode is D-TO 1.

At 65 KIAS: Thrust HOLD. Mode annunciation is boxed for 10 seconds.

LNAV has been engaged at 50 feet. At V2: Engine fire.

VNAV has been engaged at 400 feet. VNAV page title reads “LIM SPD”.

VNAV commands VREF+100. IAS is controlled by the elevators (VNAV SPD).

Speed is VREF+100 and all flaps are up. Thrust limit mode changes to CON (max. continuous thrust). Pilot selects VNAV ENG OUT page.

Sample screen shots: Approach operation

The localizer will be captured with LNAV in this example.

Localizer capture. G/S mode is armed. When glideslope is captured, thrust limit mode will change from CRZ (cruise limit) to G/A (go-around limit).

FLARE mode engages at 40-60 feet depending on sinkrate. At 25 feet the A/T will retard to IDLE and automatically disengage.

ROLLOUT mode is engaged at +5 feet. Reversers are manually selected.

What do other aviation professionals say about this simulator?

[Simulator][Reviews][Order][Support][Forum (vertical frame)][Forum (horizontal fr.][Home]

© 1995-2001 Hardy Heinlin. All rights reserved.