PSA Airlines Canadair Regional Jet Systems (PSA-CRJ) Practice Exam

What does the red AP/SP button on the control take do in addition to disconnecting the autopilot?

1. It will also override the Stick Pusher

2. It synchronizes altitude settings

3. It alters the thrust settings

4. It engages the landing gear

The correct answer is: It will also override the Stick Pusher

The red AP/SP button on the control stick serves a critical role in managing the aircraft's flight systems. When this button is pressed, it not only disconnects the autopilot but also has the effect of overriding the Stick Pusher system. The Stick Pusher is a safety feature designed to prevent the aircraft from stalling by pushing the control yoke forward when the wing's angle of attack becomes too high. By overriding this system, the pilot can maintain control of the aircraft even in a situation where the Stick Pusher would otherwise engage. This feature is particularly important for pilots managing critical flight scenarios where fine control is necessary to navigate or recover from potentially dangerous conditions. While the other options touch on various operational aspects of the aircraft, they do not relate to the specific functionality of the AP/SP button in this context. For example, synchronizing altitude settings and altering thrust settings are functions managed by other systems within the aircraft’s control architecture. Engaging the landing gear is an entirely separate operation related to the aircraft's landing process.