BOEING 707-320/420 -
Throttle Quadrant, Autopilot, Weather Radar and INS
Introduction
All the devices shown on this page are displayed by clicking the
button
or by pressing pressing SHIFT + Keypad 5 (with NUM LOCK off).
The Throttle Quadrant
The four large handles operate the throttles. Attached to
these handles are the thrust reverser handles, which move back when
reversing thrust, as in the real aircraft. Spoiler and flap handles are
also located on the throttle quadrant. Trim indicators and wheels are
found at either side (trim may be adjusted by clicking on the wheels). The
amber light in the lower right comes on while the trim is being adjusted.
Remember that in a 707 you must mind your own airspeed - there is no
autothrottle to do this for you!
The four levers at the base are the engine start levers.
Set the levers to the START position to start the engines, once the
appropriate N2 RPM is reached. The levers automatically move to IDLE once
the engine is started.
The Autopilot

The panel is equipped with an authentic 1960's autopilot - it only has a
few basic functions, but if used correctly will provide an equally smooth
ride to your destination.
- The Autopilot Master Switch - the autopilot is ON when the
switch is up, and OFF when the switch is centred. When the autopilot is
turned off, the A/P warning light on the main panel comes on. Pushing
the switch DOWN extinguishes this light.
- The Altitude Hold Switch - When this switch is ON, the
autopilot holds the aircraft at its current altitude. When the switch is
OFF, the aircraft maintains its current rate of climb or descent. The
rate of clib or descent may be altered using the pitch command wheels.
- The Horizontal Mode Selector - This switch selects between
the autopilot's various horizontal modes:
- INS - follows the heading given by the Inertial Navigation System
- MAN - bank angle set according to Bank Angle Selector
- HDG - finds and holds selected heading (you can alter the
selected heading using the knob on the HSI)
- LOC/VOR - tracks a VOR beam, or an ILS localizer (horizontal
only)
- GS (MAN) - the aircraft will move to capture an ILS beam
(horizontal and vertical), and then track this beam. Note: the
707 is not autoland capable!
- (GS) AUTO - the aircraft will follow the existing vertical mode
until the ILS glideslope is reached, then follow the ILS beam.
- The Bank Angle Selector - When the horizontal mode is set to
MAN, you can select the bank angle using this knob. If any other
horizontal mode is selected, the bank angle selector returns to the zero
position.
If the autopilot Master Switch is OFF, the selected modes are still
relevant, as they drive the flight director.
The Forward Control Panel

- Transponder - The transponder is located in the top left of the forward control panel.
- Weather Radar - This detects rain-bearing clouds and ground reflections. Its controls are listed below
- Master Switch (left, on control unit) - this switches the radar on and off, and sets the scan range to 20, 50 or 150 nautical miles. In STBY mode the radar itself does not work, although the range lines are displayed.
- Gain Control (superimposed above master switch) - when gain is low, only heavy precipitation is detectible, while at high gain light precipitation can also be detected.
- Anterior Tilt Control (right, on control unit) - this sets the radar to scan at an angle up to 15 degrees above or below the aircraft's present pitch attitude.
- Intensity Control (at top left of radar display) - changes the displayed brightness of the radar returns.
- Range Lines Control (at top right of radar display) - changes the displayed brightness of the range lines.
- Inertial Navigation System - This is explained in more detail on the INS page.
Note that FSUIPC version 3.50 or later is required to use the weather radar. If a suitable version of FSUIPC is not found, the weather radar will be covered in a sticker "CAUTION: UNSERVICEABLE".
On the 1965-era 707 panels, the ADF radios are located on the overhead panel.
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