Use of Rudder
The use of rudder by the flight crew on Airbus aircraft is limited to the takeoff and landing roll, crosswind landings, or to counteract the yaw effect caused by an engine failure until the rudder is trimmed. Several events have been reported where the flight crew used rudder inputs after encountering turbulence, causing unnecessary trajectory deviations and loads on the aircraft structure.This article describes such an event and explains the two types of rudder design used on Airbus aircraft. It also provides recommendations to the flight crew on the use of rudder and emphasises the importance of reporting lateral loads events after an occurrence. It also provides guidance to maintenance personnel to ensure necessary inspections are performed following a reported high load event.
Wake Vortices
All aircraft generate wake vortices, also known as wake turbulence, which continue to be evident far behind the generating aircraft. Another aircraft crossing this wake may feel a sharp and brief turbulence which can be strong under some circumstances. Let’s review the specific characteristics of wake vortices’ and how pilots should react in case of an encounter to ensure the safety of the flight.
Optimum use of weather radar
In recent years, there have been a number of flights where passengers or crew suffered injuries due to severe turbulence. In some other instances, the aircraft structure was substantially damaged following a hailstorm encounter. Clearly adverse weather can pose a threat to the safe and comfortable completion of a flight, thus it needs to be detected and avoided in a timely manner.