The Outer Loop of the AFCS is associated with which subsystem?

• A. Trim and FPS
• B. Stabilator Control
• C. Flight Data Recorder
• D. Autopilot

Answer: (A)

The outer loop handles long-term flight control by shaping the aircraft’s path through baseline settings rather than rapid attitude changes. Trim is the mechanism that biases the control system to a steady state, reducing continuous stick effort, while Flight Path Stabilization (FPS) keeps the helicopter on a commanded flight path by making slower, path-focused adjustments. Together, they form the slower, path-following part of the AFCS.

In contrast, the Stabilator Control belongs to the inner loop, handling fast, immediate stabilization of the aircraft’s attitude. The Flight Data Recorder is for recording information, not controlling flight. Autopilot is a separate function that can influence the system, but the outer loop’s primary association is with trim and FPS, which govern long-term path and control bias.