system
The other obvious answer would have been: “Because it’s there…”. With apologies to Mr. Mallory of course.
The other obvious answer would have been: “Because it’s there…”. With apologies to Mr. Mallory of course.
Would not it be wiser to relocate these buttons instead? At first reading this confused me!
Inhibiting the AP through the WOW switch sounds simple, but it also introduces a potential failure mode where a faulty WOW switch could lead to AP disconnects or complete loss of the AP functions.
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And yet apparently the AT won’t reengage above 60kts and below 400 agl, so it seems like the AP could be programmed to also not engage below 400 agl.
There is no “notch” on the A220. They are fluid, full motion similar to Boeing. The 777 had a similar issue. A new 777 captain that came off of the 767 had a near catastrophic event. To engage the A/T on the 767, they push an EPR button for the prescribed TO power. He pushed AP engage right next to it. While the 777 didn’t have the EPR button, the 777’s buttons looked similar…OLD HABITS. When the FO, who was flying, tried to rotate, the aircraft went…”Uh…NO!” The nose wheel actually flew over the dip in the runway! The FO, seeing the construction trucks at the other end getting larger by the split second yanked it off the ground. The AP disengaged and they shot up like having been catapulted off of an aircraft carrier. British Airways had the same thing but Boeing ignored it until the US carrier had the event and threatened to ground its 777’s at Boeing’s expense!
If you follow the FAA link, search for “2022-25-51”.
This may have occurred on a recent Delta flight out of Atlanta where the crew believed it was a trim control issue. Hitting auto pilot will create what looks like a trim runaway during takeoff if you hit the wrong button. They almost lost control, but returned safely.
Will THEY (He She Him Her It Us Them Alien) ever figure out that airplanes have pilots, and autos have drivers?
The autopilot relies on dozens of sensors, any one of which could fail. The WOW switch also controls many other systems on the airplane.
In the highly unlikely event of autopilot failure, I suggest that the pilots use the wheel thingy in front of them to FLY THE AIRPLANE!