Impressions of the B787 in a Crosswind
Hello FCeng84,
Thank you for such an enlightening description of the B787 flight control system. You have the ability to describe the essential elements of flight control system in a way that promotes a much better understanding by a typical line pilot, like myself.
I realize that the complexities of today’s aircraft make it impractical to include all of the system details in the FCOM. However, I do wish that Boeing could provide a supplementary document that contained details of the flight control system. You seem like you would be the perfect person to write such a document.
I am willing to share my observations of the B787 flight controls, as long as you understand these comments are from someone with the ink still drying on their type rating certificate. Since I have such limited experience on the B787, I would definitely like to hear from other who have been flying the aircraft for a while.
Overall, especially in flight, I would say that the handling characteristics are superb. The aircraft is quite responsive, with control forces are which light and well balanced.
While my crosswind experience in the actual aircraft is limited to relatively benign levels, I definitely had the sensation that the flight control system was applying rudder inputs (without rudder pedal movement) during both the takeoff and landing roll. At times I found this to be a bit disconcerting. My rudder inputs had to be made with care to avoid creating pilot induced yawing oscillations.
This tendency for PIO seems to be slightly more evident during the landing rollout in a crosswind. A number of respected colleagues have shared similar observations. I also notice when taxiing, and using only the rudder pedals, the nosewheel steering can be overly sensitive.
Other than the sensitivity of the rudder during the takeoff and landing roll, the crosswind characteristics feel quite conventional. While the similarities to the B777 are apparent, the B787 seems to have a lighter, more responsive feel. When flying the B787, I had good success with side-slips during crosswind landings, just as I did on the B777.
I apologize if my descriptions lack the technical details that you would obtain from an engineering test pilot, but I do hope they are of some use. If you should have any additional questions, please let me know.
Your posts on PPRuNe are excellent. Thank you very much for taking the time to contribute to this forum.
Sincerely,
The Kid