Originally Posted by
SASless
Please do explain your grave concern over the operation of the PBA in the S-76....as you keep throwing that out but never explain to the non-76 pilots why you see that as being such a big issue.
It is a feature of the S76 that needs careful monitoring, as it’s function changes the flight configuration which is initially established. Attitude + power = performance; except the pitch bias actuator is actively lowering that attitude to compensate for flapback/blowback. This will lead to a decrease in the initial rate of climb and an increase in airspeed. Without active intervention by the pilot, the aircraft will not maintain the desired climb-away configuration.
Of course, monitoring is necessary in all conditions and all types, but in a situation where pilot overload is to be relieved by the the use of the autopilot, simply relying on ATT mode may be very much less effective and safe compared to engaging an upper mode like IAS to aid the maintenance of the initial ATT + PWR response.