BOEING 707-420 - Throttle Quadrant, Autopilot and INS

Introduction

All the devices shown on this page are displayed by clicking the pedestal button or by pressing pressing SHIFT + Keypad 5 (with NUM LOCK off).

The Throttle Quadrant

707 Throttle Quadrant

The four large handles operate the throttles. Attached to these handles are the thrust reverser handles, which move back when reversing thrust, as in the real aircraft. Spoiler and flap handles are also located on the throttle quadrant. Trim indicators and wheels are found at either side (trim may be adjusted by clicking on the wheels). The amber light in the lower right comes on while the trim is being adjusted. Remember that in a 707 you must mind your own airspeed - there is no autothrottle to do this for you!

The four levers at the base are the engine start levers. Set the levers to the START position to start the engines, once the appropriate N2 RPM is reached. The levers automatically move to IDLE once the engine is started.

The Autopilot

autopilot.gif

The panel is equipped with an authentic 1960's autopilot - it only has a few basic functions, but if used correctly will provide an equally smooth ride to your destination. The altitude and vertical speed modes now use custom programming, as the default FS autopilot is deficient here.

If the autopilot Master Switch is OFF, the selected modes are still relevant, as they drive the flight director.

The Inertial Navigation System

Inertial Navigation System

This unit is typical of the waypoint navigation systems in use in the 60s and 70s. The system can store up to 25 waypoints. Initially, waypoints for outward and return London-New York flights are set up. You'll probably want to get some maps to assist your navigation - no moving map displays here!

The main mode knob selects the display mode:

The top row of keys have the following functions:

Loading and Saving Flight Plans

The INS gauge automatically saves the currently entered waypoints to disk when Flight Simulator is exited, or when the aircraft is changed. It is also possible to save up to 3 user-defined flight plans.

To restore the default London-New York-London flight plan, press [SET][ENTER]

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