EASA SIB 2015-17R1: Unreliable Airspeed Indication at High Altitude/ Manual Handling at High Altitude

What to do

Operators and Approved Training Organizations should provide pilots with theoretical knowledge and practical simulator training on high altitude manual handling, unreliable airspeed recognition, and appropriate control inputs. Training should include stall recovery procedures and crew coordination under high workload conditions. These elements should be incorporated into recurrent and initial type rating training as soon as possible.

Summary

EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2015-17R01 is an operations bulletin addressing unreliable airspeed indication and manual handling challenges at high altitude for aeroplanes with maximum cruising altitudes above FL300. It highlights risks associated with pitot blockage due to high altitude icing and the resulting autopilot and autothrottle disconnections, particularly affecting fly-by-wire aircraft. The bulletin emphasizes pilot awareness and training to maintain safe flight control under these conditions.

What changed

This revision of EASA SIB 2015-17, dated 16 October 2015, improves the Description section to better explain the risks and pilot response to unreliable airspeed indications at high altitude. It updates recommendations for pilot training and awareness to address manual handling in normal and degraded flight control laws.

Why it matters

This bulletin is critical for aviation professionals as unreliable airspeed indications at high altitude can lead to loss of control if pilots react improperly. Operators and training organizations must ensure pilots understand the interaction of automation and manual flight controls under failure conditions to prevent accidents. Proper training reduces the risk of upset and stall events during high altitude operations.