Originally Posted by
Jwscud
The discussion on the AMS bad weather threads have got me thinking. How do the Boeing and a Airbus FBW types handle in gusty conditions? Does the FBW pick up a dropped wing for you?
Having flown only old fashioned types that require frequent and positive control inputs to keep on path I would be interested to hear how the control techniques differ - a lot of Airbus guys talk about "stirring the pot" as something to avoid. Are you basically trying to correct solely for long term flight path trends rather than shirt term attitude excursions that the FBW will correct for you?
The Airbus FBW will usually return the aircraft to the previous attitude following a disturbance, however the aircraft has been knocked off and needs to be returned to the correct trajectory. The inputs from the pilot are then a roll rate and g-load demand (A320), then stick-neutral once back on the correct trajectory.
What this means is that you are correcting for long-term flight path trends but of course there will be short term disturbances that need to be checked and dealt with too.
It's just as much work IMHO because ultimately, as with old-fashioned types, the pilot is still adjusting inputs to achieve the rate of response desired in the moment.