EASA SIB 2013-13: Pilot Training — Artificial Pitch Control Feel

What to do

Operators and approved training organisations should incorporate training on artificial pitch control feel behavior related to airspeed and failure conditions into their pilot type rating syllabi. Aeroplane manufacturers are encouraged to provide detailed information to support this training. All training should align with manufacturer procedures and techniques. No explicit compliance deadlines are stated.

Summary

EASA Safety Information Bulletin No. 2013-13 titled "Pilot Training — Artificial Pitch Control Feel" addresses safety concerns related to artificial pitch control feel systems in business jets, specifically referencing incidents involving the Falcon 900B and Bombardier BD-100-1A10 Challenger 300. The bulletin highlights the importance of pilot training on the behavior of flight control feel as a function of airspeed and failure conditions. It targets aeroplane manufacturers, national aviation authorities, operators, and training organisations to improve awareness and training content regarding pitch control feel anomalies.

What changed

This bulletin introduces general recommendations for pilot type rating training to include considerations of artificial pitch control feel behavior, especially during failure conditions. It encourages operators and training organisations to update their syllabi and urges manufacturers to provide relevant information to support training. The document does not mandate changes but promotes enhanced training to prevent unsafe crew and automation interactions.

Why it matters

Understanding artificial pitch control feel is critical for pilots to safely manage flight control anomalies that can lead to in-flight upsets and injuries, as demonstrated by past accidents. Enhanced training reduces the risk of loss of control events and improves crew response to pitch trim or control system failures. Operators, MROs, and compliance teams benefit from incorporating these recommendations to enhance safety and regulatory compliance.