![]() Moreover, Airbus would also have to ensure that long-haul operations with single-pilot at cruise, also meet other concerns. The triggering event in this incident was a temporary sensor malfunction. ![]() More critics point to recent accidents, like Air France AF447 in 2009 over the Atlantic. They also add that the move points to a cost-cutting approach, that “ could lead to higher risks”. Pilot groups have also raised concerns, questioning the programme’s benefits, in the overall cost structure of a flight. They say that Airbus would have to demonstrate that its systems can handle autonomous flight for that long, without inputs. It’s difficult to see how Airbus could cover all eventualities in these long-haul, single-pilot phases of flight.Ĭritics point out that the second pilot could take as much as 15 minutes to wake up and be ready to operate safely. But whereas pilots could have some warning if they have a stomach bug, other health issues are more sudden. Today, flight diversions due to a pilot feeling unwell, are not rare. To use such a system, the aircraft would need to have systems that can monitor the vital signs and alertness of the pilot. Single-Pilot Long-Haul – Airbus Addressing Concerns They include a special toilet that pilots could use during their shift, with ATC coordination! The principle is that if the flying pilot has a problem or is incapacitated, the second pilot will have the time to come and take over. Also, it has the Auto-Pilot/Flight-Director (AP/FD) TCAS mode, that Airbus first certified in the A380.Īirbus is making further changes, specifically for the long-haul, single-pilot in cruise operation. The aircraft can perform an automatic emergency descent without pilot input, in the event of cabin depressurization. The Airbus A350 has some features that should make it a good candidate for single-pilot cruise in long-haul. It makes sense to say OK, instead of having two in the cockpit, we can have one in the cockpit, the other one taking a rest, provided we’re implementing technical solutions which make sure that if the single one falls asleep or has any problem, there won’t be any unsafe conditions.“ “ Typically on long-haul flights when you’re at cruise altitude there’s very little happening in the cockpit. Until November this year, the A350 XWB Family received 959 firm orders from 51 customers.Īirbus has begun delivering A350 XWB aircraft with pioneering new touchscreen cockpit displays.Europe’s Aviation Safety Authority (EASA)’s chief, Patrick Ky, said this last January: ![]() It has the latest aerodynamic design, a carbon fibre fuselage and wings. Powered by Rolls-Royce engines, A350 XWB delivers a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. It will also offer flexibility and better communication between both pilots before take-off, during in-flight and approach preparation.Īdditionally, it minimises the workload of pilots by eliminating multiple cursor inputs and turn over between different displays. ![]() “With our partner Thales we are very proud to bring this technology to our customers, to enhance their aircrews’ operations.”Ĭertified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) last month, the new technology supports ‘pinch-zooming’ and panning gestures. The manufacturer has so far received orders from around 20 airlines for the new technology.Īirbus A350 XWB programme head Patrick Piedrafita said: “Airbus continues to set the industry trends in aircraft cockpit design with these new interactive touchscreen displays in the A350 XWB. Out of the aircraft cockpit’s six large screens, three can be opted for touch capability, two outer displays and a lower-centre display. The device is expected to offer enhanced operational efficiencies, greater crew interaction, cockpit symmetry and smoother information management. The new touchscreen cockpit display was developed in collaboration with Thales. European aircraft maker Airbus has started the delivery of the first A350 XWBs that feature touchscreen cockpit displays.Ĭhina Eastern Airlines has become the first carrier to own the A350 XWB equipped with the new device. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |