Why are there two lights next to the Autopilot Connect Button?

Why are there two lights next to the Autopilot Connect Button?

• A. They indicate two Flight Control Computers
• B. They indicate two autopilot channels
• C. They show a warning status
• D. They show two backup batteries

Answer: (A)

Redundancy is built into the CRJ-550’s flight-control system. Autopilot control relies on two Flight Control Computers so if one fails, the other can take over and keep the aircraft under automated control. The two lights beside the Autopilot Connect Button are status indicators for those two Flight Control Computers, letting you see that both are present and available to support autopilot operation. They’re not indicators of autopilot channels, warnings, or separate batteries—the purpose is to show the dual FCC setup that provides the essential backup for the autopilot.

Redundancy is built into the CRJ-550’s flight-control system. Autopilot control relies on two Flight Control Computers so if one fails, the other can take over and keep the aircraft under automated control. The two lights beside the Autopilot Connect Button are status indicators for those two Flight Control Computers, letting you see that both are present and available to support autopilot operation. They’re not indicators of autopilot channels, warnings, or separate batteries—the purpose is to show the dual FCC setup that provides the essential backup for the autopilot.