Contents
CWS is an acronym for Control Wheel Steering. Broadly speaking, it is a sub-set of the autopilot system which can used on either System A or B. When control pressure is released, the autopilot holds the existing attitude until CWS is disengaged, or the autopilot is engaged.
What is CWS control wheel steering?
Firstly, control wheel steering or CWS, is an autopilot mode where the pilot takes control, through the yoke, and by keeping depressed the CWS button, changes the attitude of the aircraft – for example establishing a descent, and then hands control back to the autopilot by releasing the CWS button.
Why is autopilot called George?
The term “George” as a reference to autopilots originated in the RAF in WWII. It is a reference to the aircraft’s “owner” King George. Also, at the time, there was a popular radio show referenced in an earlier answer that may have reinforced the use of “George”.
Can a plane take off on autopilot?
Yes a plane can land by itself using a system that is often referred to as “autoland”. The pilots can program the auto-pilot to carry out the landing automatically whilst the pilots monitor the aircraft. Automatic landings probably account for less then 1% of all landings on commercial flights.
What is GPSS mode?
Also called GPSS (for GPS steering), roll steering fixes these problems by using data from the GPS navigator to provide predictive control, so that turns and wind correction are anticipated. Multileg flight plans are followed precisely regardless of the winds, and even hold patterns can be flown perfectly.
What is GPSS in aviation?
Autopilots use servos to translate electrical energy into mechanical outputs to fly the airplane. As a safety feature, it is necessary for the pilot to be able to overpower these servos so a safety or slip clutch is included as part of the servo.
What is a three-axis autopilot?
A three-axis autopilot adds control in the yaw axis and is not required in many small aircraft. For pilots that enjoy challenging IFR flying, then a full functioning two-axis system with yaw damper and auto trim is recommended. The full functioning system will hold altitude, heading and NAV with GPSS capability.
I never got a chance to push it though. What does it do? Sounds like that plane has (or once had) an STEC autopilot installed – CWS stands for C ontrol W heel S teering – basically it allows you to set a pitch attitude / turn rate using the yoke, which the autopilot will then maintain until instructed to do otherwise.
What does CWS stand for in a car?
Regarding CWS, it stands for Control Wheel Steering. It’s a very rarely used feature – our SOPs state it’s only for use in severe turbulance. I think you are referring to the Radio Altimeter.
The CMD and CWS buttons are located on the First Officer side of the MCP. Each of the four press to engage buttons has a green annunciator which illuminates when the mode is engaged. The control pressure is similar to that required for manual flight. When control pressure is released,…
LEFT: B737 Mode Control Panel (MCP) showing location of CWS buttons on Collins unit . The CMD and CWS buttons are located on the First Officer side of the MCP. Each of the four press to engage buttons has a green annunciator which illuminates when the mode is engaged. The control pressure is similar to that required for manual flight.