Airline Requirements on a Fly-By-Wire Aircraft – A Pilot's View

The next important milestone in the development of transport aircraft will be marked by the first full FBW jetliner, possibly with only partial mechanical backup. Airline pilots may question what FBW will do good for them. What they don't want, is technology for it's own sake. Asking what we can gain with FBW, here are the answers:

Improved handling characteristics: Consistent handling qualities enhance common type ratings for a family of airplanes. Added safety features: Quick and positive access to full performance envelope. Automatic recovery from performance limited conditions. More flexibility in flight deck arrangement, Reduction of training costs.

How these features match our operational requirements will be discussed.