Final answer:
The ATT reversionary key is associated with the Multi-Function Display (MFD) in an aircraft's cockpit, allowing it to show important flight information like the Attitude indicator if the Primary Flight Display fails. It's a safety feature ensuring pilots have essential information, and knowledge of its use is part of advanced aviation training.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ATT reversionary key is a feature found on the Multi-Function Display (MFD) within the cockpit of modern aircraft. When activated, this key allows the MFD to revert to displaying the primary flight information, primarily the Attitude (ATT) indicator, which is critical for maintaining the proper orientation of the aircraft.
This functionality is particularly important in situations where the Primary Flight Display (PFD) fails or becomes inoperable, ensuring that the pilot still has access to the most important flight information.
MFDs are highly sophisticated pieces of avionics that consolidate a wide array of information onto a single screen, which can include maps, engine data, and navigational aids. The ATT reversionary mode ensures that the pilot has continuous access to the artificial horizon, an essential instrument for maintaining the correct aircraft attitude during manual flight.
As such, understanding how to operate MFDs and how to utilize the ATT reversionary key is part of advanced flight training common at the college level or in specialized aviation courses.
It's important to note that the specific procedures and capabilities can vary depending on the aircraft's make and model, as well as the avionics suite installed.
Therefore, pilots must be familiar with the systems of their particular aircraft. The ATT reversionary key serves as an important safety feature, acting as a redundancy to help maintain situational awareness and prevent spatial disorientation in the event of a partial avionics failure.