Advanced Technology Aircraft Safety Survey Report - Australian ...

AUTOMATION
Introduction
Since 19 10 aircraft systems have become progressively more automated. Major developments
in automation have included the gyroscopic stabiliser, coupled navigation (DC6) , flight
management systems (B767), and fly-by-wire with envelope protection (A320).
This chapter analyses the results relating to the current level of automation in advanced
technology aircraft and considers the evidence for the existence of cases where the flight crew
were not aware of the mode characteristics or aircraft response (automation surprise) and the
unconscious transfer of aircraft control and command (passive control) to automation.
The extent of automation
Contrary to anecdotal evidence, only 10% of respondents agreed that ‘they’ve gone too far
with automation’ (see fig. B1.5).
These results are in accordance with the findings of Wiener (Wiener 1989, see chapter 11) and
are also consistent with responses received to question B3.5 (‘There are too many modes
available on the FMUFMGS’), where only 9% of respondents felt that there were too many
modes available on the FMC/FMGS.
Table B1.5 indicates the proportion of pilots who agreed that ‘they’ve gone too far with
automation’. A statistically significant difference was observed between the response of first
officers and captains, with captains being more likely than first officers to consider that
automation had ‘gone too far’.
Table B1.5
‘They‘ve gone too far with automation.’
Captain First officer
Airbus 1 6% 8%
Boeing 11% 7%
FIGURE B1.5
They’ve gone too far with automation
80%
70% ~
60% ~
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
52 13%
0% Strongly Agree Agree Neutral , Dlsagree Strongly Disagree No Response
19