Avionics and communications–autopilot, flight director, Electronic Flight Instrument Sy...
Avionics and communications–autopilot, flight director, Electronic Flight Instrument Systems (EFIS), Flight Management System (FMS), Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), Radar, Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Space-Based Augmentation System (SBAS), Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS), ground-based navigation systems and components, Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) In and Out, Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Contract (ADS-C), traffic awareness/warning/avoidance systems, terrain awareness/ warning/alert systems, communication systems (e.g., data link, Ultra High Frequency (UHF)/Very High Frequency (VHF)/High Frequency (HF), satellite), Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC), indicating devices, transponder, and emergency locator transmitter, Head Up-Display (HUD).
Bottom line
A flight director/autopilot system integrates pitch, roll, heading, altitude, and radio navigation signals in a computer. On most systems, the flight director needs to be operating before the autopilot can be engaged. For part 91 operations, an EFB used in lieu of paper reference material must not replace any system or equipment required by part 91, such as a navigation, communication, or surveillance system.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| 25 seconds after the initial EAL broadcast | EAL pause |
| within 12 miles of the runway and at or below 12,000 feet MSL | EAL broadcast |
| 121.5 MHz for EAL broadcasts | Guard frequency |
| 7700 when EAL is activated | EAL squawk |
FAA references
- AFH ch. 13 (p. 13-8) — FAA-H-8083-3C
- AC 91-78 ch. 20 , Electronic Aeronautical Chart Display. — AC No: 91-78A
- AFH ch. 18 (pp. 18-22–18-23) — FAA-H-8083-3C
- AC 90-117, paras. 5.1.2.1, 5.1.2.2 — AC No: 90-117
- AC 90-117 ch. 8 ED-93, Minimum Aviation System Performance Standard for CNS/ATM — AC No: 90-117
- RMH Glossary — FAA-H-8083-2A
- AC 90-117 Appendix G — AC No: 90-117
- AC 91.21-1, para. 9.1 — AC No: 91.21-1D
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