Which sensors are part of the Electronic Flight Control System?

• A. Temperature sensors only.
• B. Magnetic anomaly detectors.
• C. Radar altimeter.
• D. Air data and inertial sensors.

Answer: (D)

Electronic Flight Control System relies on data from sensors that measure the aircraft’s air data and its inertial state, providing speed, altitude, attitude, and motion information to the flight control computers. Air data sensors (pitot tubes, static ports, and related vanes) supply airspeed, altitude, and pressure data, while inertial sensors (accelerometers and gyros in the inertial reference unit) provide attitude and angular-rate information. Together, this input lets the EFCS compute the proper control surface movements and manage stability and control.

Temperature sensors monitor environmental and engine conditions but don’t feed the EFCS for flight control decisions. Magnetic anomaly detectors aren’t used in typical aircraft EFCS. A radar altimeter measures height above terrain and is important for certain systems and landing aids, but it isn’t a core input to the EFCS. So the best match is the combination of air data and inertial sensors.