Aircraft Avionics Parts Catalogue

Put simply, avionics are the electrical systems used on an aircraft. Avionics is an umbrella term that includes navigation, communication, and the display of multiple systems. Avionics have become a vital component of modern aircraft. The FAA has numerous rules and regulations that pertain to the correct use of avionics. Most avionic equipment is located in the cockpit of an aircraft. A pilot uses multiple avionic systems to fly the aircraft to a destination. Listed below are a few avionic systems explored in more detail.

Navigation
Aircraft navigational systems consist of altimeters, course deviation indicators and attitude indicators. All of these devices are powered by the plane’s electricity source. The pilot is able to see the plane’s position in the air, progress on the flight path and altitude reading. With the information, a pilot can redirect a flight, correct the wing position, and gain or lose altitude.

Fuel Systems
It is important to measure the rate of fuel consumption during flight. To do this, a pilot uses the fuel system which provides an uninterrupted flow of clean fuel from the fuel tanks to the engine. The fuel quantity gauges indicate the amount of fuel in each tank using gallons or pounds. The fuel level reading should be cross referenced with the pre-flight inspections before takeoff. Along with the fuel quantity gauges, there are fuel selectors. As the name suggests, the fuel selectors allow the pilot to choose which tank the engine draws fuel from.

Collision-avoidance systems
Airborne collision avoidance systems (ACAS) warn a pilot of the presence of an aircraft or UAV in the vicinity of the aircraft. If the risk of collision is imminent, the system will initiate a maneuver to the oncoming aircraft. There are numerous collision avoidance systems inside the cockpit: airborne radar, traffic collision avoidance system, FLARM, ground proximity warning system, and synthetic vision.

All avionic systems are dependent on an electrical source, either a generator or alternator, to function. If an avionic system is down, the aircraft is not airworthy. For example, on a cloudy day a pilot may have no visibility therefore relies upon the navigational system to orientate the plane.