Pilot Control Design Influences on Pilot Monitoring Effectiveness of Crew Resource Management in Airbus 320 Landings

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of Airbus flight control design on pilot perception of Crew Resource Management (CRM) in the landing phase of flight. Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular 120-71B: Standard Operating Procedures and Pilot Monitoring Duties for Flight Deck Crewmembers, published in January 2017, defines Pilot Monitoring (PM) responsibilities and potential barriers to PM effectiveness of these duties. The unique flight deck design of the A320 includes non-coupled, independently manipulated, side stick controllers, and non-moving autothrust levers. The combination of these design elements on the A320 flight deck presents unique challenges to the flight crew, particularly in the landing phase of flight. Because the Pilot Monitoring (PM) receives no visual or tactile feedback of Pilot Flying (PF) flight control inputs, his/her traditional PM duties could be less effective. An observational field study and survey is proposed to be conducted with A320 line pilot participants. The practical implications of the field study will be to increase understanding of the effects of A320 pilot flight control design on pilot perception of PM effectiveness in the landing phase of flight. It is anticipated that human factors researchers, design engineers, operators, and airline training departments will benefit from the research.

Author

• Odisho, Edwin Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Keywords

• CRM
• PM effectiveness
• FAA AC 120-71B
• Airbus 320 landings
• Aviation Safety and Security