Aircraft flight control systems

Know the setting, features and operation of aircraft flight control systems. Manage flight control surfaces, cockpit controls, connections, and operating mechanisms required to control the flight direction of an aircraft. Operate aircraft engine controls in order to change aircraft speed.

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knowledge

sector-specific

Aircraft flight control systems is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Air traffic safety technician: Air traffic safety technicians provide technical support regarding the safety of air traffic control and navigation systems. They design, maintain, install and operate these systems both in the airport and on board the aeroplane according to regulations.
Air traffic controller: Air traffic controllers assist pilots by providing information concerning the height, speed and course. They assist pilots in order to facilitate a safe take off and landing of aircrafts. They are responsible for maintaining a secure and orderly movement of aircraft along major air routes up in the sky and around airports. They control air traffic in and within vicinity of airports according to established procedures and policies to prevent collisions and to minimise delays arising from traffic congestion.
Helicopter pilot: Helicopter pilots fly helicopters in order to transport passengers and cargo from one place to another. They plan flights using aeronautical charts and navigation instruments. Prior to departure, they inspect helicopters following checklists to detect leaking hydraulic fluid, inoperative control, low fuel level, or other unsafe conditions.
Airline transport pilot: Airline transport pilots fly large aircrafts with a maximum take-off weight of more than 5700 kilograms, to transport passengers, mail, or freight on long or short-haul flights for leisure, business or commercial purposes. They have the overall responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of aircrafts and the safety of crew and passengers.
Commercial pilot: Commercial pilots navigate flight of fixed-wing and multi-engine aircrafts for the transport of passengers and cargo.
Flight test engineer: Flight test engineers work with other systems engineers to plan the tests in detail and to make sure that the recording systems are installed for the required data parameters. They analyse the data collected during test flights and produce reports for individual test phases and for the final flight test. They are also responsible for the safety of the test operations.
Co-pilot: Co-pilots are responsible for assisting captains by monitoring the flight instruments, handling radio communications, watching for air traffic, and taking over for the pilot as needed. They adhere to the pilot’s commands, flight plans, and regulations and procedures of aviation national authorities, companies, and airports.
Aircraft maintenance engineer: Aircraft maintenance engineers make preflight and postflight inspections, adjustments, and minor repairs to ensure safe and sound performance of aircrafts. They inspect aircraft prior to takeoff to detect malfunctions such as oil leaks, electrical or hydraulic problems. They verify passenger and cargo distribution and amount of fuel to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.
Private pilot: Private pilots operate non-commercial airplanes for leisure with a limited amount of seats and engine horsepower. They also provide private transport for people.
Aircraft pilot: Aircraft pilots control and navigate aircraft. They operate the mechanical and electrical systems of the aircraft and transport people, mail and freight.
Flight instructor: Flight instructors train both new and experienced pilots seeking to gain licences or experience in flying new aircraft, how to properly operate an aircraft according to regulations. They teach their students both the theory and practice of how to optimally fly and maintain an airplane, and they observe and evaluate student technique. They also focus on the regulations relating to operational and safety procedures specific to different (commercial) airline aircraft.
Avionics inspector: Avionics inspectors inspect instruments, electrical, mechanical and electronic systems of aircrafts to ensure their compliance with the performance and safety standards. They also examine maintenance, repair and overhaul work and review any modification to check its conformity to standards and procedures. They provide detailed inspection, certification and repair records.
Air force pilot: Air force pilots operate aircrafts in combat missions, patrol missions, or search and rescue missions. They ensure aircraft maintenance, and communicate with air force bases and other vessels to ensure safety and efficiency in operations.
Airspace manager: Airspace managers control activities aimed at developing the European airspace into a continuum that is flexible and reactive to changes of users’ needs in airspace. They aim to optimise the network capacity and improve the performance.
Second officer: Second officers are responsible for monitoring and controlling various aircraft systems including fixed-wing and rotary wing. They work in close coordination with the two pilots during all phases of flight. They make pre-flight, inflight, and post flight inspections, adjustments, and minor repairs. They verify parameters such as passenger and cargo distribution, the amount of fuel, aircraft performance, and appropriate engine speed according to instructions of pilots.
Avionics technician: Avionics technicians install, test, inspect and adjust electrical and electronic equipment such as navigation, communication and flight control systems in aircraft and spacecraft. They carry out maintenance and repair work. They perform functional tests, diagnose problems and take corrective action.

Aircraft flight control systems is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Air traffic manager: Air traffic managers coordinate the planning of ground control, the maintenance of the aircrafts, and the handling of customers. They strive for the most efficient use of resources in directing the aircraft. They manage safety, quality, and risks in everyday work. They also plan and compare performance with other air navigation service providers.
Intelligence communications interceptor: Intelligence communications interceptors work in the air force in the development of intelligence in places like headquarters and command posts. They search and intercept electromagnetic traffic transmitted in different languages.
Industrial engineer: Industrial engineers design a vast array of production systems aiming to present efficient and effective solutions. They integrate a varied number of variables such as workers, technology, ergonomics, production flows, and product specifications for the design and implementation of production systems. They can specify and design for microsystems as well.
Vocational teacher: Vocational teachers instruct students in their specialised field of study, which is predominantly practical in nature. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques that the students must subsequently master in the specialised vocation of their choice and aid in the development of the according attitudes and values. Vocational teachers monitor the students progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the subject through assignments, tests and examinations.
Transport technology vocational teacher: Transport technology vocational teachers instruct students in their specialised field of study, transport technology, which is predominantly practical in nature. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master for a transport technology-related profession, such as automotive brake technician. Transport technology vocational teachers monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the subject of transport technology through assignments, tests and examinations.
Aircraft maintenance technician: Aircraft maintenance technicians perform preventive maintenance to aircrafts, aircrafts components, engines and assemblies, such as airframes and hydraulic and pneumatic systems. They perform inspections following strict protocols and aviation laws.
Aircraft interior technician: Aircraft interior technicians manufacture, assemble and repair interior components for aircrafts such as seats, carpeting, door panels, ceiling, lighting etc. They also replace entertainment equipment such as video systems. They inspect incoming materials and prepare the vehicle interior for new components.
Aircraft engine inspector: Aircraft engine inspectors inspect all types of engines used for aircrafts in factories to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations. They conduct routine, post-overhaul, pre-availability and post-casualty inspections. They provide documentation for repair activities and technical support to maintenance and repair centres. They review administrative records, analyse the operating performance of engines and report their findings.
Air force officer: Air force officers specialise in flying or ground duties, and supervise a team of air force personnel. They coordinate their team’s training and welfare, and perform duties specific to their area of specialisation.

References

1. Aircraft flight control systems – ESCO