Explain aircraft system control methods and apply them to th

Explain aircraft system control methods and apply them to the response of typical aircraft systems (1 page limit, 200 to 400 words).

Solution

An aircraft is conventionally controlled by a system which comprises of cockpit controls, flight control surfaces, connecting linkages, and certain provisions required to the aircraft’s direction when in flight.

Cockpit controls

The cockpit controls are classified as primary controls and secondary controls.

Primary controls

Following are the primary control methods of a commercial aircraft system :

Secondary controls

Flight control systems

Mechanical

A combination of mechanical components such as tension cables, counterweights, pushrods, chains and pulleys are employed for manually controlling flight. Tension in cables is adjusted by using turnbuckles. In addition to these, gearing arrangements are often used so that the force exerted by the pilots is significantly reduced. Furthermore, servo tabs are utilized by certain mechanical flight control systems for the purpose of aerodynamic assistance.

Hydro-mechanical

Hydro-mechanical control surfaces were introduced to overcome the increase in weight and complexity of mechanical flight control systems with the performance and size of an aircraft. There are two circuits under hydro-mechanical flight control systems

With the use of hydro-mechanical controls, there are chances that aircraft might by overstressed by excessive movement of control surface. This is overcome using artificial feed devices. Apart from these, stick shakers are also employed to shake the control column at the time when the aircraft is going to stall.

Fly-by-wire control systems

These are the electronic replacements for manual flight control systems.