911slf
8th Feb 2013, 09:24
This was discussed in this week's Flight magazine 5-11 February.
The aircraft could not be stopped using either spoilers, wheel brakes, or reverse thrust because of no, or inadequate 'weight on wheels' signals.
I do understand that the consequences of inadvertent selection of spoilers beyond the 'in flight' maximum, or of reverse thrust; when airborne could be disastrous. I expect even landing with the wheel brakes already applied could be bad news.
But when both pilots know that the aircraft is indeed on the ground, and they are sure they want to stop. should there not be a way to defeat these protections?
How about a pair of big red STOP buttons that can be pressed simultaneously by both pilots, but so positioned that neither pilot acting alone can reach them both?
The aircraft could not be stopped using either spoilers, wheel brakes, or reverse thrust because of no, or inadequate 'weight on wheels' signals.
I do understand that the consequences of inadvertent selection of spoilers beyond the 'in flight' maximum, or of reverse thrust; when airborne could be disastrous. I expect even landing with the wheel brakes already applied could be bad news.
But when both pilots know that the aircraft is indeed on the ground, and they are sure they want to stop. should there not be a way to defeat these protections?
How about a pair of big red STOP buttons that can be pressed simultaneously by both pilots, but so positioned that neither pilot acting alone can reach them both?