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Dual Input Airbus

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Old 3rd Apr 2020, 05:08
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As an example, was the 447 computer so deprived of sensory inputs that it couldn't protect the aircraft from nonsensical control inputs - or is there no such software? It seems incredible that systems wouldn't know inputs were illogical. I'm attempting to make a clear distinction between inputs and net flightpath.
If aircraft had all that you are suggesting would you still be expecting to get paid?
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Old 3rd Apr 2020, 08:19
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Originally Posted by Loose rivets

As an example, was the 447 computer so deprived of sensory inputs that it couldn't protect the aircraft from nonsensical control inputs - or is there no such software? It seems incredible that systems wouldn't know inputs were illogical. I'm attempting to make a clear distinction between inputs and net flightpath.
The computers are only as good as the data they’re being fed. For a while, the data was inappropriate, and so the computer handed full control back to the pilot. The designers knew the computer can’t act on bad data. I’ve sat in the A320 and watched it do stupid things. I don’t want the plane to be overthinking my inputs.
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Old 3rd Apr 2020, 09:16
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Originally Posted by Loose rivets
As an example, was the 447 computer so deprived of sensory inputs that it couldn't protect the aircraft from nonsensical control inputs - or is there no such software? It seems incredible that systems wouldn't know inputs were illogical. I'm attempting to make a clear distinction between inputs and net flightpath.
There is not a single aspect of AF447 that has not been discussed on this forum over the past 11 years. I am sure your question has an answer !
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Old 3rd Apr 2020, 10:35
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As I see it, the Airbus arithmetical addition of inputs allows an instant, instinctive rescue input to be made even if one does not press the take-over button - to flare the aircraft for example. This is the equivalent of feeling the yoke being pulled back by PM, or having the clutch and brake applied by your driving instructor in a dual control car.

Once when first taxiing an A330, I went off the line at a confusing and poorly lit intersection, at night in an unfamiliar US airport. The TRE slammed on the brakes, which was very dramatic, and it shook up the passengers and crew. Had he simply used his tiller to pull the aircraft back on line, and said to me "I have control" or "no, over here", that would have been that, and no drama, (but the 'Dual input' call might have sounded).

The Airbus 'dual input' callout should not be feared, but is a cue for subsequent discussion.
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Old 3rd Apr 2020, 12:08
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Originally Posted by Uplinker
As I see it, the Airbus arithmetical addition of inputs allows an instant, instinctive rescue input to be made even if one does not press the take-over button - to flare the aircraft for example. This is the equivalent of feeling the yoke being pulled back by PM, or having the clutch and brake applied by your driving instructor in a dual control car.

Once when first taxiing an A330, I went off the line at a confusing and poorly lit intersection, at night in an unfamiliar US airport. The TRE slammed on the brakes, which was very dramatic, and it shook up the passengers and crew. Had he simply used his tiller to pull the aircraft back on line, and said to me "I have control" or "no, over here", that would have been that, and no drama, (but the 'Dual input' call might have sounded).

The Airbus 'dual input' callout should not be feared, but is a cue for subsequent discussion.
The "dual input" is a big no-no and must not be used, in any circumstance. In Your scenario, if your trainer added his input to yours on the NWS on an A330 in a poorly lit taxiway, that would have been the perfect recipe for wheels on the grass.
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Old 3rd Apr 2020, 14:07
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I feel you Uplinker. Was a bit of overreaction. By the way there is no “dual input” auto call out in case of both tiller deflection at the same time. At least not on the A320 family.
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Old 3rd Apr 2020, 15:35
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Had he simply used his tiller to pull the aircraft back on line, and said to me "I have control" or "no, over here", that would have been that, and no drama, (but the 'Dual input' call might have sounded).
Dual input for steering? Are you sure?
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Old 4th Apr 2020, 08:18
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Actually, no I don't think there is for steering. Apologies.


Originally Posted by sonicbum
The "dual input" is a big no-no and must not be used, in any circumstance. In Your scenario, if your trainer added his input to yours on the NWS on an A330 in a poorly lit taxiway, that would have been the perfect recipe for wheels on the grass.
In normal ops, I agree; it should be a very rare occurrence. But in my case the TRE would have steered back towards the correct centreline, arithmetically neutralising my input and taking us away from the wrong line or the grass - while simultaneously saying "I have control", or GENTLY applying the brakes. (we weren't heading for the grass by the way )

My point is that by fearing "Dual Input" even for a second, more drastic intervention is the only course of action left.

Last edited by Uplinker; 4th Apr 2020 at 08:46.
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Old 4th Apr 2020, 09:40
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Originally Posted by Uplinker
Actually, no I don't think there is for steering. Apologies.




But in my case the TRE would have steered back towards the correct centreline, arithmetically neutralising my input and taking us away from the wrong line or the grass - while simultaneously saying "I have control",
I understand your point, but imagine had he done that, perhaps you would have then let go the NWS completely. The aircraft would have veered abruptly on the other side, as there would have been suddenly no inputs to be neutralised... as for slamming the brakes, I was not there so can't tell if it was an overreaction or not, but as You know we all have different "limits" so in the end better safe than sorry. Anyway since as of today almost nobody is flying it's going to be interesting to see who is going to take over who once we get back in the saddle ;-)
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Old 5th Apr 2020, 20:48
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Originally Posted by Check Airman
This represents the biggest design flaw of this airplane in my opinion. Not sure why the regulators allowed this to be certified, and (especially after AF447) continue to let it go unchecked.
Yes.

From the AAIB, in a rare moment of clarity (https://assets.publishing.service.go...JZ_12-08.pdf):

Simulator assessment

The AAIB investigator carried out an assessment exercise in a full flight A320 simulator taking the role of a ‘trainee’ pilot, together with an experienced A320 Type Rating Examiner (Aircraft) (TRE(A)). The TRE(A) was current in both line and base training of pilots of all levels of experience. Having briefed the TRE(A) that he should act as he would during normal operations, the ‘trainee’ flew normal approaches and landings, interspersed with approaches and landings during which deliberate handling errors were made. No prior warning was given to the TRE (A) of these errors. In the first of these ‘unusual’ approaches, a manual approach was flown with autothrust, but the ‘trainee’ ceased to make sidestick inputs at 50 ft RA. The TRE(A) was unable to intervene in time and the aircraft struck the runway without a flare. In other ‘unusual’ approaches, the TRE(A) was again unable to intervene, or intervened too late, to prevent a hard landing.
and

In a fly-by-wire aircraft fitted with sidesticks, the instructor also monitors the approach by assessing the aircraft’s performance, but does not have an option of sensing control inputs made by the trainee. By the time it is apparent that no flare, or an incorrect flare, has been made, it may be too late for the instructor to intervene and the aircraft to respond before a possible heavy touchdown occurs
and some proper HF from them:

The priority takeover pushbutton is mounted on the top of each sidestick. Whilst control of the aircraft through manipulation of the sidestick is highly instinctive, operation of the priority takeover button is a highly cognitive action.
That sidestick has blood on its hands... What a shame manufacturer B has sunk to similar depths and no longer provides a credible alternative.
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Old 6th Apr 2020, 09:23
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Hi sonicbum, trust me, he slammed those suckers on!

Originally Posted by Kit Sanbumps KG
..........That sidestick has blood on its hands...
That's putting it a bit strong. Do the thrust levers that did not move on the 777 crash at SFO have 'blood on their hands'?
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Old 6th Apr 2020, 09:25
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Originally Posted by Kit Sanbumps KG
Yes.

From the AAIB, in a rare moment of clarity (https://assets.publishing.service.go...JZ_12-08.pdf):



and



and some proper HF from them:



That sidestick has blood on its hands... What a shame manufacturer B has sunk to similar depths and no longer provides a credible alternative.
What a load of rubbish. Have You haver flown a FBW Airbus ? Are You a trainer on it ? Do you have any idea what you are talking about ?
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Old 6th Apr 2020, 14:39
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Despite over 21000 posts AF447 refuses to die. AF447 and QZ8501 pilots at controls at that time were simply not competent to do what was required and they were not not going to discover it by accident. No pun intended. In 447 TOGA and high pitch and 8501 again pull back on stick. This is not what you do in alternate law. So it is a past time that may be AoA display, oh no! the feedback to the other stick perhaps. It has not happened and not going to happen. We are discussing dual input. These laments are not contributing anything. They should be shifted to 447 thread.
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Old 6th Apr 2020, 17:32
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vilas i think the people talking about AF447 are pointing to the fatal flaw in the system. I think the FBW system is great, but it should never have been designed with uncoupled sidesticks. The extra weight and complexity may have saved the lives of the AF447 pax and crew.
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Old 6th Apr 2020, 23:01
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@vilas while mine opinion differs significantly from C/A's, I do not find your otherwise correct point applicable to this thread.

Yes, the controlling pilots for both AF and QZ made hard to explain inputs after losing spatial awareness. The question why was this not over-ruled by PIC was never answered sufficiently. Reading the QZ report in this respect is heart-stopping.

The take-over button only works when you use it, again your note on incompentece are true. Yet the intuitiveness is galaxies apart if you need to correct. Airbus pilots (LHS+) are trained to cope but are they proficient in using the button? What means are there to achieve and maintain such skill? Is it understood that teaching the "I have controls" call and press the button (per FCOM/FCTM) is negative training?

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Old 7th Apr 2020, 13:28
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Originally Posted by Check Airman
vilas i think the people talking about AF447 are pointing to the fatal flaw in the system. I think the FBW system is great, but it should never have been designed with uncoupled sidesticks. The extra weight and complexity may have saved the lives of the AF447 pax and crew.
The "uncoupled" sidesticks has nothing to do with the AF447 accident and I personally believe that there was not at the time and still there is not any need for such a thing as there is zero evidence from past accidents that it could have changed the course of action.
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Old 7th Apr 2020, 13:39
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Originally Posted by FlightDetent
@vilas while mine opinion differs significantly from C/A's, I do not find your otherwise correct point applicable to this thread.

Yes, the controlling pilots for both AF and QZ made hard to explain inputs after losing spatial awareness. The question why was this not over-ruled by PIC was never answered sufficiently. Reading the QZ report in this respect is heart-stopping.

The take-over button only works when you use it, again your note on incompentece are true. Yet the intuitiveness is galaxies apart if you need to correct. Airbus pilots (LHS+) are trained to cope but are they proficient in using the button? What means are there to achieve and maintain such skill? Is it understood that teaching the "I have controls" call and press the button (per FCOM/FCTM) is negative training?
If I can add my 2c...
It is up to ATOs and Operators to establish training policies and procedures in such a way that pilots are and remain proficient with the proper takeover technique. It is important to clear bad habits and insist on the usage of the proper technique which can be practiced during simulator sessions with the instructor occupying the other pilot seat. In my company the flight safety team has a very pragmatic and common-sensed based approach on event management but "dual inputs" are highly not tolerated (like an unstable below 500ft), including during training flights, because it can lead to very serious events.
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Old 7th Apr 2020, 14:44
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Originally Posted by sonicbum
The "uncoupled" sidesticks has nothing to do with the AF447 accident and I personally believe that there was not at the time and still there is not any need for such a thing as there is zero evidence from past accidents that it could have changed the course of action.
It’s my opinion that the PM would’ve been able to rectify the situation, had he realised the PF was pulling back the whole time.
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Old 7th Apr 2020, 14:46
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Originally Posted by Report PK-AXC
38. Since 2317:29 UTC, both left and right side stick input were continuously active until the end of the recording. The inputs were different where the right sidestick was pulled for most of this segment, the nose down (forward) pitching commands of the left sidestick became ineffective because of the summing function of the system, resulting in ineffective control the aircraft.
If there was a dotted line below: "...there is zero evidence from past accidents ... (interconnected side-sticks) ... could have changed the course of action" I would not sign.

Although there were at least 3 other things that could have helped avoid the outcome. All mandatory for airline pilot competence and none of them demonstrated by the crew. That is also true.
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Old 7th Apr 2020, 15:03
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Originally Posted by FlightDetent
If there was a dotted line below: "...there is zero evidence from past accidents ... (interconnected side-sticks) ... could have changed the course of action" I would not sign.

Although there were at least 3 other things that could have helped avoid the outcome. All mandatory for airline pilot competence and none of them demonstrated by the crew. That is also true.
Agreed. To be clear, my opinion on the sidestick thing isn’t the only thing that brought them down. I was only focusing on one link in the proverbial chain.
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