FLIGHT TEST RESULTS OF THE
CONTROLLED FLIGHT INTO TERRAIN
AVOIDANCE MANEUVER IN FLY-BYWIRE
TRANSPORTS
Airworthiness Performance Evaluation and Certification Committee
Captain Ron Rogers, Chairman
March 1, 1999
Air Line Pilots Association
Table of Contents
I. Abstract................................................................................................................................................................. 2
II. Introduction......................................................................................................................................................... 2
A. Purpose of Flight Test....................................................................................................................................... 2
B. Ground Proximity Warning Systems................................................................................................................. 3
C. CFIT Escape Maneuvers................................................................................................................................... 3
III. Test Plan ............................................................................................................................................................ 5
A. Test Articles/Locations ..................................................................................................................................... 5
B. Maneuvers/Test Points...................................................................................................................................... 6
C. Test Methods ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
IV. Discussion of Results ......................................................................................................................................... 7
A. Airbus A330-200............................................................................................................................................... 7
B. Boeing B-777-300........................................................................................................................................... 12
V. Lessons Learned................................................................................................................................................ 17
A. Simulation ....................................................................................................................................................... 17
B. Aircraft Flight Test.......................................................................................................................................... 17
C. General............................................................................................................................................................. 18
VI. Conclusions/Reccommendations .................................................................................................................... 18
I. Abstract
Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT) is the leading causes of aviation accidents.1
A test program was developed to compare the CFIT maneuver performance capabilities of
aircraft with hard versus soft Fly-By-Wire (FBW) flight control systems. To obtain this data,
simulated CFIT avoidance maneuvers utilizing a Boeing 777-300 and an Airbus A330-200
were performed. These tests were performed at the Boeing Flight Test Facility in Seattle,
Washington and the Airbus Flight Test Facility at Toulouse, France.
This flight test had a two-fold purpose. The first was to evaluate the effectiveness and
appropriateness of a recovery technique that was developed for convention aircraft without
regard for the flight envelope protections incorporated in modern FBW aircraft. The second
purpose was to develop and/or evaluate CFIT escape maneuvers that utilize the maximum
capability of the aircraft afforded by the protections incorporated in their respective FBW
flight control systems.
As a direct result of this flight-test activity, one major US operator of Airbus aircraft (United
Airlines) has changed the CFIT escape maneuver for these aircraft.
II. Introduction
A. Purpose of Flight Test
· To evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of a recovery technique that was
developed for convention aircraft without regard for the flight envelope protections
incorporated in modern FBW aircraft.
1 CFIT Training Aid, section 3 page 3.3.
Revision 14.0 3
· To evaluate and/or develop CFIT escape maneuvers that utilize the maximum capability
of the aircraft afforded by the protections incorporated in their respective FBW flight
control systems.
B. Ground Proximity Warning Systems
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