Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

FLIGHT INSTRUMENTS

CONTROLS AND INDICATORS

Left pilot’s instruments panel

Page 1
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

Right pilot’s instrument panel

Page 2
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

EADI

EADI

Attitude and heading reference system controller

Page 3
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

Airspeed indicator

Page 4
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

Primary altimeter

Page 5
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

Inertial vertical speed indicator with TCAS

Page 6
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

Radio magnetic indicator

Page 7
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

Stand-by attitude indicator

Page 8
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

IN MB

1021

Standby altimeter and standby magnetic compass

Page 9
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

or when button under glareshield

is operated at the same time

Davtron clock

Page 10
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

WX
TERR

EFIS controller

Page 11
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

WX
TERR

(WX/TERR)

PUSH – displays (E)GPWS terrain

map on the EHSI partial compass
format

PUSH – display will show EHSI data

only, in partial compass format

EFIS controller

Page 12
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

WX
TERR

EFIS controller

Page 13
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

Flight data recorder test switch

Page 14
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

Electronic Attitude Director Indicator (EADI)

Page 15
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

LNAV or BC)

Electronic Attitude Director Indicator (EADI)

Page 16
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

-- indicates active LNAV leg when selected

Electronic Horizontal Situation Indicator (EHSI)

Page 17
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

GROUND TRACK POINTER

-- displays ground track
calculated by FMS ,
or FMS track

-- during FMS operation each dot represents

a distance from centerline, depending on
scale selected

deviation

using DME distance

when in V/L mode

-- displayed ground speed is calculated by

(E)GPWS TERRAIN MODE ANNUNCIATION FMS when in AUX mode
-- indicates the (E)GPWS ground map is valid and
available for use

Electronic Horizontal Situation Indicator (EHSI)

Page 18
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

EHSI annunciation displays

ILS1

EHSI annunciation displays

Page 19
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

HEADING ARROW
-- indicates that the heading bug is
off screen in the direction of the
arrow

EHSI partial compass format - map mode

Page 20
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

OR TERRAIN

0.02R

TRACK ERROR
DISTANCE

EHSI partial compass format - map mode with multiple waypoints

Page 21
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

0.5

Composite mode display

Page 22
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

Flight instruments general

Flight instruments are arranged on both pilot’s instrument panels. Each panel consists of an
airspeed indicator, altimeter, inertial vertical speed indicator, attitude director indicator
(EADI), horizontal situation indicator (EHSI) and a radio magnetic indicator (RMI).

The electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) is covered separately in this chapter.
Additional instruments include a standby attitude indicator located on the left pilot's flight
instrument panel; a standby altimeter on the engine instrument panel and two digital clocks
located one at each end of the glareshield.

Systems involved with the operation of the flight instruments include the pitot-static system,
the air data system, and the attitude heading reference system.

Air data system

The air data system is comprised of two digital air data computers (DADC) located on the
avionics rack left of the flight deck door. The computers compute parameters based on
altitude, airspeed, temperature and pressure inputs and provide the information to the aircraft
systems (see system schematic).

ADC output is available, via the avionics standard communication bus (ASCB) system, to the
flight guidance computer, the attitude heading reference system, the advisory displays and
EFIS. Other systems, including altimeter, VSI/TCAS display, altitude alert, FMS computers,
proximity switch electronic unit (PSEU), flight control systems, and the aircraft overspeed
warning system, also receive air data computer output.

Both air data computers independently perform computations and conversions but the
information from only one is chosen for flight guidance computer operation and advisory
display. This is selected by the HSI SEL switch, located on the flight guidance controller.

Static air temperature (SAT) and true airspeed (TAS) are displayed on the advisory display
units. The air data computers supply these values.

An air data computer self test function checks the integrity of the overspeed warning circuits.
The test is initiated by switching the ADC test switch located on the left pilot's side console.

Page 23
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

Air data computer system schematic

Page 24
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

Pitot-static system

Two pitot heads and two static heads supply pitot and static pressure for operation of the
airspeed indicators, standby altimeter, air data computers and the cabin pressure controller.

The pitot head located on the left side of the fuselage supplies the left pilot's airspeed
indicator and number 1 air data computer. The right side pitot head supplies the right pilot’s
air speed indicator and number 2 air data computer.

Each static head has three static ports, which supply both pilots’ and alternate static air
systems. STATIC SOURCE selectors, located below each pilots’ flight instrument panel,
control system selection.

The alternate static system supplies the cabin pressure controller regardless of STATIC
SOURCE selector position.

Each pitot and static head is equipped with an anti-ice heater controlled from the ICE
PROTECTION panel.

Page 25
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

Pitot-static system schematic

Page 26
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

Attitude/Heading Reference System (AHRS)

The dual attitude/heading reference system (AHRS) provides aircraft attitude and heading
information to the flight instruments (EADI, EHSI and RMI), the air data computer system, the
flight guidance computer system, and the weather radar (see system schematic).
Each side of the AHRS consists of an attitude/heading reference unit (AHRU), a remote flux
valve, and AHRS controller.
The AHRU, located underneath the passenger compartment floor, uses vertical and
directional gyros and accelerometers that are ‘strapped down’ to the aircraft's principal axes
to sense rate of aircraft movement.
The remote flux valves detect the relative bearing of the earth's magnetic field.
Compensation circuits in the AHRS controllers correct flux valve heading errors, created by
magnetic disturbances in the aircraft.
The dual AHRS installation is approved as the primary attitude and heading reference
source. Several operational modes are provided for continued availability of attitude and
heading reference in the event of certain system failures. AHRS faults are displayed on the
advisory unit.

Standard modes
The standard AHRS operating modes are the ‘Normal’ mode for attitude and ‘Slaved’ mode
for heading. The AHRS will enter these modes automatically following initialisation if no
system faults are detected. In the ‘Normal’ mode, true airspeed from the air data computer is
used to compensate for acceleration-induced errors.

In the ‘Slaved’ mode the difference between the indicated heading and the flux valve heading
is displayed on the slave error indicator on the HSI. The indicator uses a . (dot) and + (cross)
symbol to indicate normal compass synchronization. Oscillation between the . and + symbol
is normal and is indicative of good magnetic heading data. During a turn, one symbol may be
displayed continuously while the system is adjusting to a changing heading reference.

Reduced performance modes

Two reduced performance modes are available: ‘Basic’ mode for attitude and ‘DG’ for
heading. The ‘Basic’ mode is entered automatically when true airspeed becomes invalid from
the air data computer. The mode is indicated by the illumination of the BASIC annunciation
on the AHRS controller. Following entry into the BASIC mode the pilot should avoid
sustained shallow banked turns of less than 6q. If an attitude error should develop it may be
removed by pushing the VG ERECT pushbutton, on the AHRS controller, while in straight,
level and unaccelerated flight.

When a HDG flag on the HSI is observed and the SLAVE annunciation on the AHRS
controller is illuminated, the DC mode is entered by pressing the HDG/DG pushbutton. Entry
into the DG mode occurs when the pushbutton is released and is confirmed by illumination of
the green DG annunciation on the AHRS controller. The heading must now be checked with
reference to a known accurate heading source. Any errors may be removed by using the DG
SLEW knob on the AHRS controller to set the heading card to the unknown reference
source.

Page 27
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

Ground initialisation
The AHRS system requires approximately 3 minutes to initialise following application of
power. During initialisation the aircraft shall remain stationary on the ground until ATT and
HDG flags clear on the EADI and HSI. Normal passenger and cargo loading, engine start
and run-up procedures may be performed. If aircraft movement has occurred during
initialisation, the AHRS must be recycled and a new initialisation commenced.

To observe the 3-minute’s time out initialisation period press the VG ERECT button on the
AHRS controller. The HSI heading card will slew to approximately 180q and heading will
decrease at a rate of 1 deg/sec until the heading card indicates north. If the heading card
stops, the initialisation has not been completed in a satisfactory manner. To restart the
initialisation, the main and auxiliary DC power should be removed by pulling and resetting all
appropriate circuit breakers.

AHRS schematic

Page 28
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

Altimeter

The altimeter provides a combined counter and pointer display of barometrically corrected
altitude.

The barometric pressure (altimeter setting) is set by adjusting a BARO knob on the lower left
corner of each altimeter. The barometric pressure is displayed in the MB (millibars) and IN
HG (inches of mercury) window on the face of the altimeter. Each altimeter provides its
associated air data computer with barometric pressure information and receives
barometrically corrected altitude information from the air data computer.

A single altitude pointer makes one revolution of the dial for each 1000 feet of altitude
change. An altitude counter provides a five-digit altitude display. The range of altitude display
is minus 1000 feet to 50,000 feet.

A black and white striped warning bar appears in the extreme left counter digit when the
aircraft is below 10,000 feet. When the displayed altitude is below sealevel, a flag with the
sign NEG covers the first two digits.

A failure flag marked OFF appears in front of the altitude counter to indicate a power failure
or loss of altitude inputs. An amber altitude alert advisory light is located on the upper right
corner

Standby altimeter

A standby barometric altimeter provides an alternate display of barometrically corrected

altitude. The standby altimeter operates directly from static pressure of the pitot-static system
and is completely independent of the air data computer operated altimeters.

The barometric pressure (altimeter setting) is set by the pilot with an adjustment knob on the
lower left corner of the standby altimeter. Turning the knob adjusts both IN HG (inches of
mercury) and MB (millibars) windows on the face of the instrument at the same time.

The standby altimeter display is a single pointer and altitude counter type, similar to the
display of the air data computer operated altimeters.

Airspeed indicator

The airspeed indicator senses pitot and static air pressure from the pitot/static system to
indicate airspeed and maximum operating speed (Vmo).

A 0 to 90 knot rotating drum and a white airspeed pointer on the 50 to 400 knot scale
indicates airspeed. A red and white pointer indicates Vmo on the 50 to 400 knot airspeed
scale.

A knob on the lower left of each airspeed indicator controls an amber index bug on the
airspeed scale. This index bug may be moved by rotating the knob to reference any speed
on the airspeed scale. Two white index bugs outside the glass on each indicator face slide
around the airspeed scale to reference additional airspeeds.

Page 29
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

Vertical Speed Indicator / Traffic and Resolution Advisory (VSI/TRA) Display

The VSI/TRA display provides a digital presentation of a conventional Inertial Vertical Speed
Indicator and the TCAS generated Traffic and Resolution Advisories. The pointer and outer
ring on the instrument display present the actual vertical rate of climb or descent to the pilot.
This information is obtained from the onside Digital Air Data Computer. For information on
the TCAS system, refer to section 12-18 ‘warning systems’.

Radio magnetic indicator

The radio magnetic indicator (RMI) displays aircraft heading and radio bearing. A compass
dial displays the aircraft heading. The compass dial on the left pilot's indicator is driven by
number 2 AHRS and number 1 AHRS drives the right pilot’s compass dial. An OFF flag
located on the upper-right quadrant appears to indicate loss of the compass information or
power supply.

A single bar pointer-designated pointer number 1 and a double bar pointer designated
pointer number 2 displays radio bearing. The pointers can be switched for either ADF or
VOR bearing indication by means of two pointer selector knobs located on the lower corners
of the indicator face.

Standby magnetic compass

The standby magnetic compass, located on the windshield centre post below the caution
lights panel, is a standard fluid dampened magnetic compass. The standby compass is
integrally lighted and dimmed with the CAUT/ADVSY LIGHTS dimming switch on the
overhead console. A compass correction card is located on the flight compartment ceiling in
front of the right pilot.

. Standby attitude indicator

A standby attitude indicator provides an alternate display of aircraft pitch and roll attitude.

The standby attitude indicator is gyro stabilized by integral electrical gyros that are powered
from both 28 VOLT DC essential buses. A striped ‘off’ flag appears in the display to indicate
an invalid attitude display because of inadequate gyro speed. A caging knob on the lower
right corner of the instrument, when pulled, drives the gyros and display to the erect position.

Clock

Two digital electronic clocks provide three independent functions: clock time (TIME), flight
time (FT), and elapsed time (ET). A display select switch selects the desired TIME, FT or ET
function. All three functions continue to operate normally, regardless of which function is
selected for display.

All internal functions of the clock are powered by an integral battery and do not need aircraft
electrical power for operation. The display however, is powered by the 28 Volt DC aircraft
electrical system and will therefore be visible only when its associated 28 Volt DC bus is

Page 30
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

powered. The left clock display uses the left essential bus, the right clock display utilises
power from the right main bus.

The clock time function uses a twenty-four hour clock format. Time corrections are made with
the SET switch. Making time corrections does not affect the operation of other functions.

For time zone transition, using the 1 HR UP position of the DIM switch may set clock time;
there is no change to the minutes and seconds.

The flight time function is initiated automatically by a ‘weight-off-wheels’ signal from the
proximity switch electronic unit (PSEU). Flight time is recorded from the time the aircraft is
airborne until it lands. The flight time function can be cleared if the elapsed time switch is
selected to ZERO when the aircraft electrical system is de-energized, or if the elapsed time
switch is selected to ZERO while simultaneously pressing the flight time erase pushbutton. A
flight time erase pushbutton for each clock is located underneath the glareshield panel in line
with that clock. Cumulative flight time of several legs in a trip can be recorded to a maximum
of 24 hours; normally, flight time is cleared before each trip.

Elapsed time is started by selecting RUN and stopped by selecting STOP. Selecting ZERO
clears the accumulated elapsed time. Maximum accumulated elapsed time is 24 hours.

Display brightness is controlled by the DIM and B (bright) positions of the DIM switch.

. Overspeed warning

An overspeed warning horn, located in the flight compartment, sounds an intermittent 1000
Hz tone when the aircraft exceeds its maximum operating speed (Vmo). The air data
computers sense airspeed and conditions effecting Vmo accordingly.

The air data computers method of computer Vmo and sensing airspeed using true airspeed
values is more accurate than the Vmo indication provided by the airspeed indicators. The
result is that the airspeed overspeed warning may occur at a speed up to 6 knots higher than
the Vmo indication on the airspeed indicators.

The aircraft overspeed warning circuits can be checked by selecting the ADC test switch,
located on the left pilot's side console panel.

Take-off warning system

A take-off warning horn, located in the flight compartment, sounds an intermittent 1000 Hz
tone to alert the crew if a take-off is being commenced with detrimental conditions existing.
The horn is operated by position switches incorporated in the power levers, condition levers,
parking brake lever, elevator trim, flap position indicator, engine ECU rating selector, and
weight-on-wheels signals from the proximity switch electronic unit (PSEU).

The conditions that cause the take-off warning horn to sound are:

Page 31
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

Weight on all wheels, one or both power levers advanced above 12º above flight idle, and
any one or more of the following conditions:

• Elevator trim out of the take-off range.

• Flaps extended more than 20º or less than 5º.
• One or both condition levers not at MAX.
• Parking brake lever selected to PARK.
• Engine ECU rating selector not at take-off power (TOP).

The take-off warning will cease when the detrimental conditions are corrected.

Flight data recorder

The digital flight data recorder system assesses, measures and records parameters of flight
for subsequent analysis or investigation of incidents or accidents. The system consists of a
crash protected flight data tape recorder mounted in the tail cone, an acquisition/
measurement unit mounted on the avionics rack, a three axis accelerometer located on the
rear spar, and a control panel located on the overhead console in the flight compartment.
The system is energized when the anti-collision lights are on and the aircraft electrical
system is powered. The system is also energized without the anti-collision lights being turned
on when the aircraft leaves the ground. A FLT DATA RECORDER caution light on the
caution lights panel illuminates whenever the flight data recorder is inoperative.

Data is recorded on a Mylar based magnetic recording tape to provide a crash-survivable

record of critical flight parameters for the previous 25 hours. Playback of recorded
information is only possible by maintenance personnel. The flight data tape recorder is
equipped with an underwater locater beacon that automatically emits a sonar 'ping' when the
unit is immersed in water.

For system test select the FLIGHT DATA RECORDER switch on the overhead console to
the momentary GND TEST. The FLT DATA RECORDER caution light will go out to indicate
serviceability.

Radio altimeter

A radio altimeter provides a measurement of aircraft altitude above the terrain with a 0 to
2500 feet operating range. Radio altitude information is displayed on both EADI’s. Radio
altitude is also used by the (E)GPWS and TCAS, and is available to the flight guidance
computer, air data computers, and flight data recorder via the ASCB.

The system consists of a transmitter receiver unit mounted under the cabin floor and two
antennas on the underside of the fuselage. The system is energized by the aircraft's
electrical system and operates automatically.

The radio altimeter self test can be selected by pushing the inner left rotary knob on each
EFIS controller. Turning the same knob sets the radio altitude decision height on the EADI.

Page 32
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS)

The electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) consists of four cathode-ray tube (CRT)
electronic display units, dual display controllers and a symbol generator (SG) for each set of
two CRTs. The upper display is the electronic attitude director indicator (EADI) and the lower
display is the electronic horizontal situation indicators (EHSI).

The EADI and EHSI display the images generated by its on-side symbol generator. The
related display controller selects display format of attitude, heading, and navigation source.

The number 1 symbol generator and left pilot's EFIS display controllers operate the left EADI
and EHSI. The right hand side EADI and EHSI are controlled and operated by the number 2
symbol generator and right pilot’s EFIS controller.

In non-normal situations the CRTs may be fed data from the opposite SG.

Composite mode

If a display unit (EADI or EHSI) fails, turning the failed unit off will select the composite mode.
The composite mode combines the information that is normally on both display units (EADI
and EHSI) onto the remaining operational display (same side). The display unit displaying
the composite mode is still operating from its normal symbol generator and display controller.

As in normal EADI and EHSI presentations, all elements are not displayed at the same time.
Flight phase, navigation radio tuning, radio altimeter altitude and selected flight director
modes determine the presence of each display element. The failure, caution, and warning
annunciations are similar to the normal EADI and EHSI displays.

Reversionary mode

If a symbol generator fails, pushing the REVN pushbutton, located above the failed EADI, will
duplicate the cross mode is annunciated on both EADI's by a SG1 or SG2 annunciation
representing which symbol generator is producing the displays. The display controller of the
operational symbol generator controls both EADI and EHSI displays during reversionary
mode. Selecting the REVN pushbutton on the failed side a second time reverts the EADI and
EHSI on that side back to the original failed condition. The REVN pushbuttons have no
function unless a symbol generator failure occurs.

EFIS display controller

The EFIS display controller allows selection of the desired display format on the EADI and
EHSI. The controller also includes two bearing select knobs, EADI DIM control, EHSI DIM
control, and TEST pushbutton.

The EFIS portion of the test is only functional on the ground. The radio altimeter portion of
the test is functional at all times except during GS CAP/TRK flight guidance modes.

Page 33
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

(E)GPWS (E)GPWS

EFIS schematic

Page 34
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

Electronic Attitude Director Indicator (EADI)

The electronic attitude director indicator (EADI) combines a sphere-type attitude display with
lateral and vertical flight guidance command bars (or single cue command pointer) to provide
the guidance necessary to intercept and maintain a desired flight path. The EADI provides
the following display information:

• Aircraft attitude
• Flight Director commands and annunciators
• Glideslope deviation
• Expanded localizer deviation
• Radio altitude (rising runway and digital)
• Decision height
• Marker beacon annunciation
• Rate of turn
• Speed reference
• Attitude, heading and navigation sources

The EADI receives pitch and roll inputs from the attitude/heading reference system (AHRS).

A flight director failure will remove the command bars and all FD mode annunciations. In the
event of an EADI failure, select the EADI DIM control to the OFF position to allow the
composite mode to be displayed on the EHSI.

When below 2500 feet AGL, radio altitude is displayed in the lower right hand corner. Amber
dashes indicate that radio altitude data is invalid. The display is blank if the radio altitude is
above 2500 feet.

A relative speed indication is displayed on the left side of the indicator. The speed indication
is displayed on the left side of the indicator. The speed indication is a FAST or SLOW
indication relative to 1.3 times the aircraft stall speed (Vs), and is intended for use in an
approach or during slow flight.

When descending through the selected decision height an amber DH will appear inside a
white box to warm the pilot.

Page 35
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

. EADI display indicators

The basic attitude display of the EADI is similar to a conventional ADI and consists of the
following:

Attitude sphere The sphere moves with respect to the aircraft symbol to display
actual pitch and roll attitude. Pitch attitude marks are in 5q
increments.

Aircraft symbol The aircraft symbol serves as a fixed representation of the aircraft.
Aircraft pitch and roll attitudes are displayed by the relationship
between the stationary symbol and the moving attitude sphere.

Roll pointer and The pointer displays actual roll attitude when aligned with the fixed
scale index reference marks at 0q, 10q, 20q, 30q, 45q and 60q on the roll
scale.

Rate of turn pointer The rate-of-turn of the aircraft is indicated by the position of the
and scale pointer against scale indices. The marks at the extreme left and right
side of the scale represent a standard rate of turn (3q per second).

Inclinometer A conventional inclinometer is mounted on the lower edge of the

EADI to provide aircraft slip or skid indication to assist turn
coordination.

Attitude source An amber annunciation of the EADI attitude source (ATT 1 for
annunciation number 1 AHRS; ATT 2 for number 2 AHRS) is displayed when both
EADI’s are selected to the same source.

Flight guidance Flight guidance modes annunciated in the advisory display are also
controller mode displayed on the EADI. The following, with an associated heading,
annunciation are annunciated in the upper left corner of the EADI: HDG, LOC,
VOR and VOR APP. The following are annunciated in the upper right
corner of the EADI: IAS, VS, ALT, GS and A SEL. Mode selection is
indicated by a white annunciation. Mode capture is indicated by the
associated mode annunciation changing from white to green. In
addition to the above, AP MSG is annunciated on the lower right of
the EADI to indicate an autopilot message on the advisory display.
An amber 'HSI>' or '<HSI' legend is annunciated in the upper left
corner on the HSI not selected by the HSI SEL button to indicate that
opposite side navigation is being processed by the FGC's.

Page 36
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

. Flight director and approach display indicators

Command pointers Displays flight guidance commands to approach and maintain a

desired flight path to which the airplane symbol is flown. The
horizontal bar rises and descends to display vertical commands, the
vertical bar moves left or right to display horizontal commands.

Glideslope pointer The glideslope pointer and scale are in view when the VHF
and scale navigation receiver is tuned to an ILS frequency and BC is not
active. The glideslope pointer and scale present a fly-to-the-pointer
display of aircraft deviation from the glideslope beam. The letter 'G' is
annunciated inside the pointer. When the pointer moves off the
scale, the letter 'G' remains in view at the maximum deflection
position of the scale. As the pointer comes on to the scale it picks up
the letter and carries it inside the pointer as it moves about the scale.
Between 1200 feet and 100 feet radio altitude (RA), a CAT II
excessive deviation mode is enabled when the glideslope is in track
mode. Localizer and/or glideslope pointers and displays flash amber
during excursions outside of the CAT II window. The flashing amber
annunciation is replaced by a steady green when the localizer and/or
glideslope is within the CAT II window.

Expanded localizer An expanded localizer pointer and scale is displayed in place of the
rate of turn display whenever a valid ILS signal is selected to the
EHSI. The expanded deviation display is 7.5 times more sensitive
than standard localizer deviation displays and is normally used for
assessment only. During final approach, the pointer serves as an
indicator of the CAT II window. Keeping the expanded localizer
pointer within its full-scale marks ensures the pilot of touchdown
within 33 feet of the centreline of the runway when using a CAT II
ILS system.

Fast/slow indicator The pointer provides indication of approach speed relative to Vref.
The airspeed indicator remains the primary approach speed
indicator.

Marker beacon A white marker beacon box appears whenever a valid ILS signal is
annunciator selected to the EHSI. When a marker beacon is received, an
appropriate O for outer (blue), M for middle (amber), or I for inner
(white) marker appear in the marker beacon box.

Radio altitude A four-digit display indicates radio altimeter altitude for -20 to 2500
display feet to within the nearest 10 feet above 200 feet of altitude, and the
nearest 5 feet below 200 feet altitude. The display is blanked above
2500 feet. Below 2500 feet, the display will show dashes if the radio
altitude signal is invalid.

Page 37
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

Rising runway Radio altimeter altitude is displayed by the relative position of the
rising runway symbol to the aircraft symbol. The rising runway
appears at 200 feet RA and moves toward the aircraft symbol,
contacting the bottom of the symbolic aircraft at touchdown. If the
radio altitude is invalid, the rising runway is out of view.

Decision height Decision height is displayed by a three-digit display that is set by the
display DH/TST control on the EFIS controller from 0 to 990 feet in 10-foot
increments.

Electronic Horizontal Situation Indicator

The electronic horizontal situation indicator (EHSI) combines numerous displays to provide a
map-like presentation of the aircraft position. The EHSI displays aircraft displacement relative
to a selected VOR radial, localizer or FMS track, and a glideslope beam when an ILS
frequency is tuned on the VHF NAV receiver. At power up, the EHSI presents a full compass
display. By pressing the MAP pushbutton, on the display controller, the full compass display
is changed to a partial compass format.

The EHSI receives heading information from the attitude/heading reference system (AHRS)
and is the primary heading indicator.

Each instrument remote controller, located on the glareshield panel, provides heading and
course selection for its respective EHSI. The HEADING selector knob adjusts the heading
bug; the COURSE selector knob adjusts the course pointer.

In the event of an EHSI failure, select the HSI DIM control on the display controller to the
OFF position to allow the composite mode to be displayed on the EADI.

The type of navigation signal (VOR/LOC or LNAV) displayed on an EHSI for course deviation
information is first selected with the NAV SEL switch and the appropriate V/L or AUX switch
on the flight guidance controller. Subsequent selection of a NAV REV pushbutton on the
display controller selects between the number 1 and number 2 of that type of receiver.

. EHSI partial compass format

The partial compass mode displays a 90q arc of the heading dial with range rings. The outer
range ring represents the selected range on the weather radar. The range annunciation on
the inner ring represents one half the range setting of the weather radar. If the weather radar
is off or unserviceable the default range is 100 NM.

Pressing the MAP button on the EFIS controller displays the partial compass format with
navigation position locators that are selected in conjunction with the bearing pointer
selection.

Page 38
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

Pressing the WX/TERR button the EFIS controller once allows weather radar returns to be
displayed on the partial compass format. A second push on the WX/TERR button allows
(E)GPWS terrain profiles to be displayed on the partial compass format.

When RNAV is selected to the EHSI and MAP is selected on the EFIS controller, multiple
RNAV waypoints and the tracks between them are displayed on the partial compass format.
When the aircraft is not following the displayed track, the aircraft symbol and the track line
separate. The combination of a large (angular and/or parallel) deviation from track and a low
selected range, will cause the track to disappear off the display. Distance to the active LNAV
leg (cross track distance) is displayed by a digital readout under the aircraft symbol.

EHSI display indicators

The basic heading and course deviation display of the EHSI is similar to a conventional HSI
and consists of the following:

Heading display Gyro stabilized magnetic compass information from the AHRS
system is displayed on the heading dial, which rotates with the
aircraft through 360q. The heading dial is graduated in 5q increments.
Fixed heading marks are at the fore and aft lubber line positions and
at 45q bearings.

Heading select bug A notched blue heading select bug is positioned on the heading dial
and display by rotating the remote heading knob located on the glareshield panel
(one for each HSI). The bug is used to indicate a selected heading,
which is used for the FD heading mode when operational. A digital
display of the selected heading is in the lower left corner of the EHSI.
If the bug is turned off the display in partial compass format, an
arrow indicating the position of the bug replaces it. If the bug is
turned through 180º relative to the present heading and the FD is in
HDG mode, the ‘smart turn’ programming continues the turn in the
direction of the bug.

Aircraft symbol A fixed miniature aircraft symbol corresponds to the longitudinal axis
of the aircraft and lubber line markings. The symbolic aircraft position
and heading with respect to the rotating heading dial gives the
aircraft position in relation to a VOR course.

Course select The yellow course pointer is positioned on the rotating heading dial
pointer by a remote course knob. A knob is located on each glareshield
panel for each EHSI, to select a magnetic bearing that coincides with
the desired VOR radial or localizer course. The course pointer
rotates with the rotating heading dial. The tail of the course select
pointer acts as a reciprocal course pointer to indicate the 180q
reciprocal of the selected course. A digital readout of the selected
course is displayed on the upper left of the EHSI display.

Page 39
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

Course bar The course bar represents the centreline of the selected VOR radial
or localizer course. The aircraft symbol shows pictorially actual
aircraft position in relation to the selected course. In VOR operation,
each dot represents 5q deviation from centreline. In ILS operation,
each dot represents 1.5q deviation from centreline.

Nav TO-FROM An arrowhead in the centre of the EHSI indicates whether the
annunciator selected course is TO or FROM the station. The TO-FROM
annunciator is not in view during localizer operation.

Distance display The distance display indicates the nautical miles to the VOR/DME or
RNAV waypoint. An amber ‘H’ adjacent to the distance readout
indicates DME HOLD. Number 1 VOR/DME or RNAV distance is
presented on the pilot's EHSI display. Number 2 VOR/DME or RNAV
is displayed on the co-pilot’s EHSI.

Ground speed or Pressing the GS/TTG button on the EFIS controller alternately
time-to-go display displays ground speed or time-to-go. In VOR/LOC mode, ground
speed is calculated by the EFIS using the on-side DME distance
information. In LNAV mode, the displayed ground speed is copied
directly from the FMS.

Glideslope pointer A glideslope pointer and scale are displayed on the right side of the
and scale EHSI when VOR/LOC is selected and that VHF NAV source is tuned
to a localizer frequency. The glideslope pointer and scale present a
fly-to-the-pointer display of aircraft deviation from the glideslope
beam. The letter 'G' is annunciated inside the pointer. When the
pointer moves off the scale, the letter 'G' remains in view at
maximum deflection. As the pointer comes on to the scale it will pick
up the letter and carry it inside the pointer as it moves about the
scale. If BC (localizer back course) is selected all glideslope
information is inhibited and removed from display.

Bearing pointers The bearing pointers indicate relative bearing to the selected
navigation aid. Two bearing pointers, a blue 'O' shaped pointer and a
green, diamond-shaped pointer are available and can be tuned to
navigation aids or selected OFF from the EFIS controller. The source
navigation aid for each bearing pointer is annunciated on the left side
of the EHSI below the appropriate pointer symbol.
The bearing pointers and source annunciation are removed from the
display when the bearing pointer is selected to OFF.

Weather radar A weather radar mode annunciator indicates the weather radar mode
mode annunciation selected on the weather radar indicator.

(E)GPWS terrain A TERR annunciation indicates the (E)GPWS terrain map is

mode annunciation available for display.

Compass Compass synchronization is displayed by a dot or a cross symbol

synchronization which indicates the direction of compass slewing in the slaved mode.
annunciator The synchronization annunciator is removed during unslaved
compass operation.

Page 40
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

NON-NORMAL INDICATIONS AND OPERATION

PILOTS’ INSTRUMENT PANELS

Amber EADI caution and failure annunciations

Page 41
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

PILOTS’ INSTRUMENT PANELS

PILOTS’ INSTRUMENT PANELS

Red EADI failure annunciations

Page 42
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

only active when operating in LNAV

mode

indicates imminent waypoint passage

PILOTS’ INSTRUMENT PANELS

Amber EHSI caution and failure annunciations

Page 43
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

G FAILURE
invalid glideslope signal

PILOTS’ INSTRUMENT PANELS

Red EHSI failure annunciations

Page 44
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

AHRS abnormal operation

If an apparent abnormal indication appears on the EADI or EHSI, correct operation of the
AHRS may be confirmed by pressing the TEST pushbutton on the AHRS controller.

NOTE: The autopilot may disengage when activating the AHRS TEST function.

The following limitations apply to the AHRS system:

• Take-off in ‘basic’ mode is prohibited
• Take-off in ‘DG’ mode is prohibited
• Take-off with the primary power source failed

Amber EADI failure annunciations

Attitude source No attitude source is annunciated if the pilot and co-pilot are using
normal attitude sources. If the pilot and co-pilot have selected the
same attitude source, that attitude source is annunciated in amber
on both EADI’s.

Radio altitude failure In the event of a failure of the radio altimeter, amber dashes will
replace numerical values and the rising runway, if displayed, will be
removed from the display.

Decision height When the radio altitude is within 100 feet of the decision height, a
warning white box will appear to the left of the radio altitude display. When at
or below the decision height, an amber DH will appear within the
white box.

Decision height In the event of a failure in the DH selector circuits or during self-test,
failure amber dashes will replace the numerical values of the decision
height display.

Common symbol When in the reversionary mode and one symbol generator is driving
generator both the pilot and co-pilot display units, a reversionary warning is
displayed in amber, which indicates the display source. As
appropriate, SG 1 or SG 2 will appear in the upper left corner in
amber.

Page 45
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

Red EADI failure annunciations

Attitude failure In the event of a failure of the attitude display, the pitch scale and roll
pointer will be removed, the sphere will be blue and a red ATT FAIL
will be displayed in the middle of the sphere upper half.

Glideslope, In the event of a failure of any of these systems, the pointer is

expanded localizer removed and a red 'X' is displayed through the scale. The letter 'G'
and rate-of-turn remains at the zero deviation position to identify invalid information.
failures

Fast/slow indicator A red ‘X’ through the indicator scale displays failure of the fast/slow
failure indicator. The fast/slow pointer is not displayed.

Internal failure In the event of internal failure within a symbol generator itself, the
displays will be blank. A red ‘X’ cantered on the EADI and EHSI
displays with annunciations SG FAIL will indicate a failure of the
input/output processor of a symbol generator. SG FAIL is
annunciated in red on the EADI and amber on the EHSI.

Page 46
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

Amber EHSI caution and failure annunciations

Heading source A white MAG 1 or MAG 2 annunciation is displayed on the EHSI

annunciation when it is selected to its normal compass-heading source. If the
EHSI’s are selected to the same compass heading course, the
annunciation is amber.

Navigation source A white navigation annunciation is displayed on the EHSI to indicate

annunciation that the normal source of the navigation receiver information is being
used for course deviation display. If the pilot's and co-pilot’s EHSI’s
are selected to the same navigation source, the annunciation is
amber.

DME hold When the DME is in the hold mode, amber 'H' is displayed to the left
annunciation of the numerical DME readout. The number 1 DME hold switch light,
located on the left pilot's instrument panel, operates the number 1
DME hold feature. The number 2 DME hold switch light, located on
the right pilot’s instrument panel, operates number 2 DME hold
mode.

Weather radar mode A green 'WX' annunciation in the upper left corner of the EHSI
annunciation indicates the weather radar is operational. An amber 'WX'
annunciation in the upper left corner indicates a weather radar
failure.

Weather target alert Weather target alerts are annunciated on the EHSI in the upper right
corner. A green TGT indicates an armed condition while an amber
TGT indicates an alert condition. An amber VAR indicates variable
gain selected which automatically deactivates target alert.

(E)GPWS terrain An amber TERR annunciation indicates the (E)GPWS terrain map is
map failure invalid and will not be displayed.

Display failures When any of the following systems fail, the digital is replaced by
amber dashes:
• Time-to-go (TTG ---)
• Course select (CRS ---)
• Distance measuring equipment (--- NM)
• Heading select (HDG ---)
• Ground speed (GSPD ---)

Page 47
 Dash8-200/300 - Flight Instruments

Red EHSI failure annunciations

Heading failure A failure of the heading system valid results in the removal of bearing
annunciations, bearing pointers, select course pointer, course
deviation pointer, course scale and the red 'X' across course scale if
deviation is invalid. The digital select course and digital heading
select readouts are dashed and a red HDG FAIL is displayed at the
top of the heading dial.

Course deviation, A failure of any of these systems results in the removal of the
azimuth deviation, deviation pointer and a red 'X' drawn through the scale.
vertical deviation,
glideslope deviation
or elevation
deviation failure

Internal failure In the event of an internal failure within the display system, the
display will be blank. A failure of the input/output processor will be
indicated by a red 'X' centred on the EADI and EHSI displays with an
annunciation of SG FAIL. SG FAIL is annunciated in red on the EADI
and amber on the EHSI.

Caution lights

FLT DATA Recorder is not operating.

RECORDER

Applicable ECL: FLIGHT DATA RECORDER FAILURE.

Remarks: Flight data recorder is energized when aircraft is airborne, when on

the ground with anti-collision lights ON, or with the switch in TEST.

Page 48