Effects of autoflight, flight envelope protection in normal and degraded modes, and une...
Effects of autoflight, flight envelope protection in normal and degraded modes, and unexpected disconnects of the autopilot or autothrottle/autothrust, if applicable to the aircraft used for the evaluation.
Bottom line
Envelope-protected airplanes have, in general, demonstrated a lower rate of stall accidents and incidents; however, the rate is not zero. Stall accidents and incidents in envelope-protected airplanes typically occur when the protections have failed, requiring the pilot to return the aircraft to safe flight using a degraded flight control mode. Pilots who consistently rely on an autopilot for flight path management may experience degraded ability to fly manually when required to do so.
FAA references
- AC 120-109, para. 2-1, 2-2 — AC No: 120-109A
- RMH ch. 7 (p. 7-2) — FAA-H-8083-2A
- AFH ch. 5, Mechanical Factors (p. 5-2) — FAA-H-8083-3C
- AC 120-109, para. 3-2 — AC No: 120-109A
- PHAK ch. 6 (p. 6-12) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
Build understanding you can use
Unlock the full lesson and continue studying this element.
- Full teaching sections: What it is; Key points; How it is done
- Check your understanding with answers you can reveal
- Common mistakes paired with the FAA facts that correct them