FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)Flight Instruments and SystemsEasy
A pilot is conducting an instrument approach in a glass cockpit aircraft. During the approach, the primary flight display (PFD) goes blank. Which action should the pilot take first?
- ARefer to the standby instruments or the multi-function display (MFD) for flight information.
- BAttempt to reset the PFD circuit breaker.
- CImmediately declare an emergency with Air Traffic Control (ATC).
- DEngage the autopilot to maintain current flight path.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Refer to the standby instruments or the multi-function display (MFD) for flight information.
In a glass cockpit, if the primary flight display (PFD) fails, the pilot should first refer to available backup systems, such as standby instruments or the multi-function display (MFD) which often has a reversionary mode to display primary flight data. This ensures continued access to critical flight information.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Attempting to reset a circuit breaker could exacerbate the problem or cause further system disruption, and should only be done if specified in the aircraft's emergency procedures after initial assessment.
- C. Declaring an emergency might be necessary, but only after assessing the situation and confirming loss of primary flight information and inability to regain it through backup systems.
- D. Engaging the autopilot might be an option after assessing the situation, but the immediate priority is to regain flight information.
Glass Cockpit Display Failure
In a glass cockpit, a primary flight display (PFD) failure requires immediate reference to backup systems like standby instruments or the multi-function display (MFD) to maintain situational awareness.
- Glass cockpits use electronic displays for flight information.
- PFD displays critical flight data (attitude, airspeed, altitude, heading).
- Backup systems (standby instruments, MFD) are crucial for redundancy.
Memory trick: When the main screen blanks, shift your gaze to the spare, quick!