Piloted Simulation Tests of Propulsion Control as Backup to Loss of Primary Flight Controls for a B747-400 Jet Transport

https://doi.org/10.21949/14035371997PDFResearch PaperFlight control systemsFlight dynamicsMechanical failureLandingAircraft pilotageEmergency trainingAlternate control authorityB747-400 airplaneEmergency landingsEngine thrustPrimary flight control system failuresPropulsion controlled aircraft (PCA)Bull,JohnMah, RobertHardy, GordonSullivan, BarryJones, JerryWilliams, DianeSoukup, PaulWinters, JoseAmes Research CenterCAELUM Research CorporationNSI Technology Services and ManTech International CorporationFoothill-De Anza Community College DistrictNTL-AVIATION-AVIATIONNTL-AVIATION-Aviation Human FactorsNTL-AVIATION-Aviation Safety/AirworthinessUS Transportation CollectionThis report describes the concept of a propulsion controlled aircraft (PCA),discusses pilot controls, displays, and procedures; and presents the results of aPCA piloted simulation test and evaluation of the B747-400 airplane conducted atNASA Ames Research Center in December, 1996. The purpose of the tests was todevelop and evaluate propulsion control throughout the full flight envelope ofthe B747-400 including worse case scenarios of engine failures and out of trimmoments. Pilot ratings of PCA performance ranged from adequate to satisfactory.PCA performed well in unusual attitude recoveries at 35,000 ft altitude,performed well in fully coupled ILS approaches, performed well in single enginefailures, and performed well at aft cg. PCA performance was primarily limitedby out-of-trim moments. 52p.84