Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Hello aviators, how are you today? My name is Magnar Nordal. I am an ATR captain and instructor. Welcome to our in-depth overview of the Auto Flight System in ATR aircraft equipped with a glass cockpit. This video is designed to help pilots and aviation enthusiasts understand the key components, functions, and operational procedures of the Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) in modern ATR aircraft.
Whether you're transitioning from legacy ATR models or new to glass cockpit systems, or enjoy Flight Simulator on your PC, this guide will provide valuable insights into the autopilot, flight director, and other critical features.
Index:
00:50 System Overview
03:32 Limitations
04:30 Logic
11:33 Lateral Modes
14:39 2D Approaches
18:13 3D Approaches
22:34 Vertical Modes
29:00 Go Around Mode
29:44 Touch Control Steering (TCS)
30:10 Autopilot and Yaw Damper
31:54 Speed Hold (not in use)
32:18 Altitude Alert
33:40 Protections
Key Functions of the Auto Flight System
• Flight Director (FD): Provides lateral and vertical guidance via bars on the Attitude Display Indicator (ADI).
• Autopilot (AP): Follows FD commands for automated control.
• Yaw Damper (YD): Ensures turn coordination and automatic rudder trim.
• Altitude Alert: Alerts pilots when approaching or deviating from preselected altitudes.
Operational Limitations
• The autopilot is typically used above 1,000 ft, except during takeoff (above 100 ft) and approach (down to 160 ft, or 80 ft for ILS Cat 2).
• If an ADC or AHRS is inoperative, or both DC generators fail, the autopilot must not be used below 1,000 ft or at speeds below 160 knots.
Flight Director Modes and FMA Logic
The Flight Mode Annunciator (FMA) displays active (green) and armed (cyan) modes. For example:
• Heading Select (HDG SEL): Used for takeoff, radar vectors, or intercepting radials.
• VOR Navigation: Requires collocated DME for autopilot use.
• Altitude Select (ALT SEL): Arms automatically when climbing or descending toward a preselected altitude.
Safety Features
• Flight Path Angle Protection: Prevents climb stoppage during takeoff or go-around.
• High/Low Speed Protection: Automatically adjusts pitch to prevent exceeding maximum or minimum operating speeds.
• Altitude Alert: Provides visual and aural warnings when approaching or deviating from preselected altitudes.
This video covers the essential aspects of the ATR auto flight system, but always refer to the Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM) for detailed and aircraft-specific information.
If you found this guide helpful, please like, share, and subscribe for more aviation content. Leave your questions or feedback in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Hello aviators, how are you today? My name is Magnar Nordal. I am an ATR captain and instructor. Welcome to our in-depth overview of the Auto Flight System in ATR aircraft equipped with a glass cockpit. This video is designed to help pilots and aviation enthusiasts understand the key components, functions, and operational procedures of the Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) in modern ATR aircraft.
Whether you're transitioning from legacy ATR models or new to glass cockpit systems, or enjoy Flight Simulator on your PC, this guide will provide valuable insights into the autopilot, flight director, and other critical features.
Index:
00:50 System Overview
03:32 Limitations
04:30 Logic
11:33 Lateral Modes
14:39 2D Approaches
18:13 3D Approaches
22:34 Vertical Modes
29:00 Go Around Mode
29:44 Touch Control Steering (TCS)
30:10 Autopilot and Yaw Damper
31:54 Speed Hold (not in use)
32:18 Altitude Alert
33:40 Protections
Key Functions of the Auto Flight System
• Flight Director (FD): Provides lateral and vertical guidance via bars on the Attitude Display Indicator (ADI).
• Autopilot (AP): Follows FD commands for automated control.
• Yaw Damper (YD): Ensures turn coordination and automatic rudder trim.
• Altitude Alert: Alerts pilots when approaching or deviating from preselected altitudes.
Operational Limitations
• The autopilot is typically used above 1,000 ft, except during takeoff (above 100 ft) and approach (down to 160 ft, or 80 ft for ILS Cat 2).
• If an ADC or AHRS is inoperative, or both DC generators fail, the autopilot must not be used below 1,000 ft or at speeds below 160 knots.
Flight Director Modes and FMA Logic
The Flight Mode Annunciator (FMA) displays active (green) and armed (cyan) modes. For example:
• Heading Select (HDG SEL): Used for takeoff, radar vectors, or intercepting radials.
• VOR Navigation: Requires collocated DME for autopilot use.
• Altitude Select (ALT SEL): Arms automatically when climbing or descending toward a preselected altitude.
Safety Features
• Flight Path Angle Protection: Prevents climb stoppage during takeoff or go-around.
• High/Low Speed Protection: Automatically adjusts pitch to prevent exceeding maximum or minimum operating speeds.
• Altitude Alert: Provides visual and aural warnings when approaching or deviating from preselected altitudes.
This video covers the essential aspects of the ATR auto flight system, but always refer to the Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM) for detailed and aircraft-specific information.
If you found this guide helpful, please like, share, and subscribe for more aviation content. Leave your questions or feedback in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
