To: Mr. Jeeves
And there's the key - the A330 was still working properly.I wouldn't define a possible failure of multiple pitot-static and/or air data systems as "still working properly". It is like saying a car without brakes or a steering wheel still operates normally because it can propel itself.
Fortunately, the airplane's engine control systems continued to work, allowing the pilot to control the speed of the airplane using power settings.
The pilot said the airspeed indicators returned to normal, but the flight-control computers never did.
The question is, was this caused by some kind of pitot-static system issue (i.e., icing), or an air data computer issue, or some combination of both.
I am guessing it is a pitot-static icing problem which introduces out of norm data into the air data system, which given the flight conditions (high-altitude, high speed cruise) causes the air data computer to go haywire.
23 posted on
06/27/2009 6:07:12 AM PDT by
magellan
To: magellan
In the report from the crew member it was reported that they had encountered rain pelting the airframe windshield and running up the windshield, and that it suddenly got very hot and humid in the cockpit. All this was way above the altitude at which you would expect to see liquid percip. My son who is a helicopter pilot had gotten a copy of the original report and forwarded it to me. I thought I still had it but couldn't find it to attach here. I'll keep looking.
53 posted on
06/27/2009 7:18:30 AM PDT by
jwparkerjr
(God Bless America!)
To: magellan
The pilot said the airspeed indicators returned to normal, but the flight-control computers never did
SOME of the flight control computers did not return (called FAC, or Flight Augmentation Computers), but those are not needed to fly normally, and not returning to normal law is by design. It is designed so that if the aircraft achieves alternate flight control law, it remains that way until landing. It is a NON-EVENT to be in alternate law. Every airline that flies Airbus has a significant amount of their training done in alternate law. Pilots are trained to deal with it, and its effects are minimal (specifically, the aircraft lands slightly different, but that is the most of it).
76 posted on
06/27/2009 11:10:12 AM PDT by
safisoft
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