Advanced Technology Aircraft Safety Survey Report - Australian ...

SYSTEMS DESIGN
Some reported accidents and incidents have occurred in which both operating crew made
simultaneous flight control inputs. Aircraft manufacturers are currently addressing the
problem of providing feedback to the pilots when dual inputs are being made. In the case
where simultaneous inputs are ‘summed’, it is possible that one input will negate the other.
In some cases, pilots may ‘instinctively’ make control inputs, for example, when encountering
severe turbulence. A dedicated training program may be warranted to address this undesirable
situation.
FIGURE B1.4
At times I have been surprised to find the pilot not flying (PNF) making flight control
inputs
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
I
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
44.32%
0% Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree No Response
Understanding the language of the FMCIFMGS
Thirteen per cent of respondents sometimes found it hard to understand the language or
technical jargon in messages presented by the FMUFMGS (see fig. B1.9).
Analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between the responses of Airbus and
Boeing pilots. Airbus pilots found it harder to understand the language or technical jargon in
messages presented by the FMUFMGS. Automation terminology is currently being addressed
by aircraft manufacturers with the aim of agreeing on standard terms for automated
components, modes and messages. These results seem to confirm that a common language of
automated hardware and software would be beneficial to all users.
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