WILJAM FLIGHT TRAINING

Chapter 7.1
Central Warning System
Introduction
In modern aeroplanes many systems require constant monitoring, which in turn require a
corresponding multitude of warning devices; both visual and aural, to be fitted. These warnings
consist of flashing lights, horns and bells, which if operating in various parts of the flight deck
could pose an unnecessary distraction. In order to reduce this probability, aeroplanes are
equipped with a Central Warning System (CWS).
Central Warning System Annunciator Panel
In its basic form, the system comprises of a group of warning and indicator lights, which are
connected to signal circuits allied to the various aeroplane systems. Each light displays a
legend, which denotes the system, and a malfunction or advisory message. The lights are blue,
red or amber, and are contained on an annunciator panel, which is normally installed on the
centre control panel, as shown below
SYSTEM LIGHTS

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In aeroplanes carrying a flight engineer, a functionally integrated duplicate warning panel is
additionally installed. The character of the signals also varies according to the degree of
urgency or hazards involved. Aural, visual and tactile signals are given singularly or in
combinations to provide both warning and information simultaneously, regarding the nature of
the problem. If the condition requires immediate corrective action by the flight crew a red
warning light will indicate. These lights indicate engine, wheel well, or Auxiliary Power Unit
(APU) fires, autopilot disconnect, and landing gear unsafe conditions. If the condition requires
timely corrective action by the flight crew a cautionary amber warning light will indicate it. A
series of blue lights will alternatively indicate whether any associated system valves are in
transit, or merely in disagreement with the appropriate control switch.
If a fault occurs in a system, a fault-sensing device will additionally transmit a signal to an
electronic device known as a Logic Controller, which will determine whether the fault is of a
hazardous nature, or is one that simply requires caution. If the fault is considered to be
hazardous, the controller output signal will illuminate the red master warning light, but if
caution is simply required, the signal will illuminate the amber master caution light. Each
master warning light incorporates a switch unit, so that if the caps are pressed in, the active
signal circuits will be disconnected, and the lights will be extinguished. This action will also
reset the master warning system, so that it can accept signals from other faults, which might
subsequently occur in other aeroplane systems. The system lights are not of the resetting type
and remain illuminated until the system fault is corrected. Dimming of the lights, and testing of
the bulb filaments is normally carried out by means of switches mounted adjacent to the
annunciator panel.
Aural Warnings
Various aural signals on an aeroplane alert the flight crew if warnings or cautions exist, and
some typical ones are listed below:

a clacker will sound if the airspeed limits are exceeded.

a warning tone will sound if the autopilot is disconnected.
an intermittent horn will sound if the cabin altitude limits are exceeded.
a steady horn will sound if a landing gear disagreement exists.
an intermittent horn will sound if the take-off configuration is incorrect.
a fire warning bell will sound if a fire exists.
Ground Proximity warnings and alerts will be indicated by voice warnings.

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