PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Manually overriding autothrust
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Old 29th Sep 2013, 21:33
  #32 (permalink)  
Clandestino
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
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Just curious whether this applies to any other types.
It applies to any classic controls, autopilot equipped type (e.g. A300 and 310). Don't fight the autopilot. Just don't.

For those who want to know more, IIRC back in late 1990ies Richard L Collins reported about experiment in which GA pilots were put in Malibu simulator and given "soft" AP failure with descent initiated in altitude hold. Quite a lot of them thought they can just pull a bit back on the yoke while keeping the AP engaged to return the aeroplane back to altitude and keep it there. Many of them were eventually simulated killed through dive into ground coming from extreme nose down trim introduced by AP. Interestingly, Nagoya A300 catastrophe was quite similar; pilot was fighting the pitchup with down elevator and still active AP fought it by trimming the stab up.

Explain the difference in an Airbus.
N/A for FBW Airbi. Attempt to override (introduce manual input through stick with AP engaged) will invariably lead to AP discon. Quote that started the thread is from general brand A operations note, dealing with their entire catalogue.

Making manual inputs while automation is still connected is not unusual nor abnormal.
Provided hand is coupled to FCU, not to stick. That needs not be everyone's (or even majority's) definition of manual.
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