Boeing 747 - Mode Control Panel
The mode control panel in the Boeing 747 and all Boeing aircraft is mainly used in the functioning of the autopilot systems of the plane. It is the main panel on all Boeing aircraft that pilots use to perform automatic functions of the plane with the help of the autopilot. These functions involve changing altitude, heading, precise landing, etc. This post discusses all the buttons and switches in this specific panel.
Flight Directors switch
The flight directors switches are located on both the extreme sides of the panel. The left switch is used for the Captain and the right switch is used by the other pilot. The switch on each side can be flicked up (on) or down (off) depending on the needs. The flight directors provide pilots assistance in flying the aircraft. They highlight proper pitch and bank angles on the PFDs (Primary Flight Displays) of the two pilots for the aircraft to follow a specific path.
Auto Throttle switch
This switch activates the auto throttle system in the plane. The computer provides thrust automatically with reference to parameters like speed settings, and altitude settings, by the pilot.
Thrust Button
The thrust button automatically sets thrust with the thrust reference set in the flight management system by the pilots. This button mainly comes in handy when any engine fails and the pilots want the aircraft to keep up with a particular speed which they have entered in the FMS.
Speed Button
This button in used to select the speed in knots or MACH which is set in the MCP (Mode Control Panel). This button is used when the pilots want the aircraft to keep up a speed which is entered in the MCP rather than on the FMS (Flight Management System).
IAS/MACH window
This window displays the speed either in knots or MACH. This window is used to set only the indicated airspeed but not the ground speed, which is the speed of the aircraft with reference to the speed of air in the atmosphere.
IAS/MACH Select button
This button is used to switch between the speed in the IAS/MACH window from knots to MACH and vice versa. This is handy in cases where either IAS/MACH values are known to be entered in the MCP.
IAS/MACH Set knob
This knob is used to set the actual values for the indicated airspeed in knots or in the MACH value. This is a rotatable knob. The set values can be referred in the IAS/MACH window.
IAS/MACH Control button
The IAS/MACH knob can also be used as a button. This this knob is pushed, the control of speed is transferred to the MCP and the FMS alternately and easily whenever needed.
L NAV button
L NAV stands for lateral navigation. This button is used when the pilots want the aircraft to automatically fly with the route programmed into the FMS. With this system, pilots should also be alert to ATC callouts when they want the aircraft to maintain a certain speed, heading, or detours.
V NAV button
V NAV stands for vertical navigation. This button is pushed for the aircraft to follow vertical paths as programmed by the pilots into the FMS in the first place.
FL CH button
FL CH stands for flight level change. Pilots first select the desired altitude in the MCP and push this button for the aircraft to align itself to the altitude.
Heading window
This window displays the heading that is set on the MCP for reference. Heading values range from 000-359.
Heading Set knob
This is a rotatable knob which is used to scroll between the heading values in the heading display window to set the desired heading.
Heading Select button
This is the button on top of the heading set knob. This button is used to select the heading after which the aircraft aligns itself to the heading automatically.
Bank Angle Set knob
This is the knob behind the heading set knob. This knob is used to set the bank angle by which the aircraft yaws to align itself to the selected heading.
Heading Hold button
The heading hold button is present below the heading set knob. This button automatically gets selected once the aircraft is completely aligned to the heading that is set on the MCP. This button is also pushed by the pilots for an instance where they want the plane to maintain the same heading in the middle.
Vertical Speed window
This window displays the vertical speed of the plane which is set by the pilots. This window displays negative as well as positive values in fpm (feet per minute). This is used when the pilots want the aircraft to descent or climb in a desired rate.
Vertical Speed Set wheel
This is the wheel which is rotated upwards or downwards to select an appropriate climb or descent rate of the plane.
Vertical Speed button
After setting the vertical speed in the speed set wheel and checking it on the vertical speed window, pilots push this button to activate the fixed climb or descent rate. Normally, the vertical speeds are set in the FMS. If the pilots want the plane to ignore the settings on the FMS and want to continue to the new rates, this button is pushed to activate it.
Altitude window
This window displays the altitude value which is set on the MCP by the pilots. The set altitude is basically referred here in the window.
Altitude Set knob
This is the knob which is rotated to set the desired altitude value for the plane.
Altitude Hold button
This button is used when the pilots want the airplane to break off from its ascent or descent and maintain a certain altitude. This button is useful when the pilots want the airplane to maintain the same altitude as a direction from the ATC. This button gets automatically selected when the airplane reaches its altitude as set in the MCP. FL CH button is used to change the altitude again after setting the value.
Localizer button
The localizer button senses the ILS signals from the runway which it is about to land once the frequencies are set in the FMS. This button helps to capture the glideslope and aligns the aircraft to it.
Approach button
This button is pushed after the plane captures the ILS frequency. The plane automatically approaches the runway keeping up the correct glidepath and heading to the runway. The plane automatically flares while landing. In most airlines, pilots are supposed to disengage all autopilot systems while landing.
Autopilot L
This button activates the left autopilot system.
Autopilot C
This button activates the centre autopilot system.
Autopilot R
This button activates the right autopilot system.
Autopilot Disengage bar
This gangue bar is pulled downwards to disengage all automatic operations of the plane. Normally, the button on the control column is used to disengage the autopilot. This gangue bar is used as a backup.
All inputs made in the MCP should be verified on the PFD (Primary Fight Display). This process can be related to ordering pizzas. If you want to order pizza, you will go to the interface where you want to do so. Here, it is the MCP. To verify your order, you will go the cart section. Similarly, the inputs in the MCP are verified in the PFD. The output pizza in the plane is the action performed by the autopilot system.
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