Originally Posted by
Check Airman
Uplinker
Disagree. Less automation. A “better” system will fail in a new and improved way.
Why wasn’t the rudder controlled by the pilot?
What is needed is better automatics and better integration with all systems and the pilots. I am type rated on, and have flown both Airbus FBW and B737 on the line, and I have to say the Airbus FBW is excellent but the B737 automatics are more primitive and have to be watched carefully.
If an aircraft like this B737 can go from normal flight on automatics to loss of control unless PF takes immediate action on the rudder pedals and ailerons, then is it a truly stable aircraft? Why doesn't the autopilot control the rudder?
And is it realistic for the B737 PF to keep their hands and feet on the controls at all times, including during the cruise, just in case an engine suddenly fails and the A/P drops out?
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