Monitoring and Recording Systems

Overview of Monitoring and Recording Systems in Modern Aircraft

Monitoring and Recording Systems form a critical part of the Instruments/Electronics domain covered in ATPL theory and airline operations. In today’s glass-cockpit aircraft, the Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) consolidates flight and navigation data onto the Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Navigation Display (ND), while flight-data and voice recorders capture operational information for safety and investigation. Understanding how these systems present information, the standard symbology and color conventions, and the procedures mandated by aviation regulations is essential for pilot students preparing for both exams and line operations.

The PFD is the pilot’s primary monitoring instrument, displaying core parameters such as IAS, attitude, altitude, and heading. The Flight Director (FD) and autopilot mode annunciations are shown on the upper strip of the PFD (often called the Flight Mode Annunciator, FMA). This is where pilots verify autopilot engagement, monitor mode changes (e.g., lateral/vertical guidance transitions), and observe altitude capture cues. Modern systems also integrate TCAS Resolution Advisories (RA) onto the PFD, providing clear pitch guidance and alerts to ensure immediate, unambiguous compliance with collision avoidance procedures. Robust SOPs emphasize continuous mode awareness—announce, cross-check, and confirm FMA changes—to prevent mode confusion and maintain stable, compliant flight path management.

The ND enhances situational awareness by fusing flight plan data, weather radar returns, terrain mapping, and traffic information from onboard surveillance systems. Standard symbology helps pilots quickly interpret information: the active (TO) waypoint is typically shown in magenta or white, and light precipitation on the weather radar is displayed in green (with increasing intensity shifting to amber/red). Terrain overlays provide proactive awareness of rising ground and obstacles, while traffic targets alert crews to intruders. Behind the scenes, an EFIS comprises a symbol generator (or display management computer), display unit(s), and a control panel, ensuring reliable data processing and presentation consistent with manufacturer logic and ATPL exam conventions.

Recording Systems: FDR, CVR, and Event Marking

Complementing real-time monitoring, Flight Data Recorders (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVR) capture essential operational and voice data in line with ICAO Annex 6 and applicable FAA/EASA regulations (e.g., Part 25/CS-25). Modern recorders are crash-survivable and equipped with underwater locator beacons. Pressing the EVENT pushbutton on the recorder control unit places a time-correlated mark in the recording, allowing investigators or maintenance personnel to rapidly locate significant occurrences during subsequent analysis. Airlines may also employ quick access recorders (QAR) and FOQA/Flight Data Monitoring programs to proactively enhance safety and adherence to procedures.

What this question bank covers

• EFIS architecture: symbol generator, display units, and control panel.
• PFD contents and usage: IAS, attitude, altitude, heading, altitude capture, autopilot/FD mode changes, and TCAS RA indications.
• FD/FMA awareness: where modes are displayed (upper strip of the PFD) and standard monitoring procedures.
• ND functions: flight plan, weather radar, terrain map, and traffic display, with color conventions (e.g., magenta/white TO waypoint, green for light precipitation).
• Recording systems: FDR/CVR purpose, regulatory context, and the EVENT marker procedure.
• Best-practice monitoring: cross-checking annunciations, confirming autopilot engagement on the PFD, and maintaining situational awareness per ATPL-level procedures.