Subtle variations in handling
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Subtle variations in handling
Just wondering (this could apply to Military or civilian aircraft I suppose) - is there much chance of a pilot who flies a particular aircraft regularly noticing any difference in handling if they swap to a different aircraft of the same type? From what I have read, it could be considered more of an issue with older aircraft - in these days of CAD and digital cockpits is there less of an issue - or does it happen?
Surprisingly notable differences - the controls can feel decidedly heavier/lighter between types, along with other parameters. A key point is when you rotate at the end of the takeoff run. The same power settings will give also different speeds for different fleet members (which is, of course, why you fly on airspeed rather than throttle setting). A fleet will become well known to its crews for the different characteristics of each.
The greatest variable, of course, is the weight you have on board, load and fuel, which will vary from flight to flight. Take the same light aircraft on your own, or with one passenger, the feel is quite different - PPL students on their first solo have to be cautioned about this.
The greatest variable, of course, is the weight you have on board, load and fuel, which will vary from flight to flight. Take the same light aircraft on your own, or with one passenger, the feel is quite different - PPL students on their first solo have to be cautioned about this.
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Certainly - if the aircraft is operated any near limits, particularly stall buffet, it is vital that the pilot knows how it 'feels' and the signs of departure. It is normal to airtest your own aircraft to establish the 'feel'.
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We have a fleet of very old, right up to brand new a320's.On the Airbus you can notice aerodynamic differences between engine versions, particularly in the landing phase. Also the FMS version varies and can vary the a/c's reaction to a pilots command.
But given the same engined, FMS airframe, I have never noticed any difference between A320's, unless some sort of failure has occurred.
More surprisingly, given that we can fly 330,320,321,319, are the differences in handling between these types.
But given the same engined, FMS airframe, I have never noticed any difference between A320's, unless some sort of failure has occurred.
More surprisingly, given that we can fly 330,320,321,319, are the differences in handling between these types.
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This is very interesting! Regarding the FMS (I assume this is Airbus - excuse my ignorance) - is there a similar pattern with autopilot 'response'? Anything noticeably different?
On the subject of the above, I once lived under the approach to Edinburgh where aircraft are about 1500 feet, and just putting the landing gear down (I say 1500 from looking at the likes of planefinder, but anyway, it's where the landing lights and gear go down, and also when my digital telly would go haywire about a minute before an aircraft passed overhead!)........
anyway after the waffle: to be honest for a long time the only way I would identify an Airbus was the sound of the engines (probably not always correctly) but for a while after I moved house, I could see aircraft from south of the flight path, descending across the livingroom window. What I 'think' I have observed is that Airbus aircraft appear to 'fly' differently to other aircraft: for example boeing aircraft seem to look like they are 'slipping' down on the descent (only way I can describe it) while - I am sure that Airbus aircraft appear to look 'a lot tighter' in the air. I know that sounds implausible, but any time I have seen any (very small) movement the Airbus appears to 'react' in a different way to other aircraft which look smoother. By way of example, there have been a few times I've looked over at the aircraft in 'choppy' weather. A boeing looks to be like a controlled ball floating in water - going with the waves but following a flightpath - whereas Airbus aircraft seem to 'fight' the waves and while still 'bouncing' with the water as it where, seem to pitch or roll more quickly and noticeably in similar conditions.
I should add, I thought all this long before I had any idea (such as I do) about Airbus flight control systems, in fact I just assumed a Glass cockpit was just that and nothing to do with the control systems as such....
Anyway is this all rubbish?
On the subject of the above, I once lived under the approach to Edinburgh where aircraft are about 1500 feet, and just putting the landing gear down (I say 1500 from looking at the likes of planefinder, but anyway, it's where the landing lights and gear go down, and also when my digital telly would go haywire about a minute before an aircraft passed overhead!)........
anyway after the waffle: to be honest for a long time the only way I would identify an Airbus was the sound of the engines (probably not always correctly) but for a while after I moved house, I could see aircraft from south of the flight path, descending across the livingroom window. What I 'think' I have observed is that Airbus aircraft appear to 'fly' differently to other aircraft: for example boeing aircraft seem to look like they are 'slipping' down on the descent (only way I can describe it) while - I am sure that Airbus aircraft appear to look 'a lot tighter' in the air. I know that sounds implausible, but any time I have seen any (very small) movement the Airbus appears to 'react' in a different way to other aircraft which look smoother. By way of example, there have been a few times I've looked over at the aircraft in 'choppy' weather. A boeing looks to be like a controlled ball floating in water - going with the waves but following a flightpath - whereas Airbus aircraft seem to 'fight' the waves and while still 'bouncing' with the water as it where, seem to pitch or roll more quickly and noticeably in similar conditions.
I should add, I thought all this long before I had any idea (such as I do) about Airbus flight control systems, in fact I just assumed a Glass cockpit was just that and nothing to do with the control systems as such....
Anyway is this all rubbish?
