NTSB Issues Safety Recommendation to Airbus Regarding Flight Management Computer Programming Errors

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued safety recommendation A-14-091, identified by reference number DCA13MA133. This directive is addressed to Airbus Industrial and focuses on improving pilot awareness during the programming of flight management computers. The NTSB urges the manufacturer to develop and implement specific means for applicable Airbus models that provide pilots with a direct and conspicuous cue. These cues are intended to alert crews when they program a flight plan incorrectly, specifically in cases where the error involves improper waypoints or discontinuities. Such errors can result in the vertical deviation indicator presenting misleading information during an approach phase of flight. The recommendation aims to mitigate the risks associated with these types of programming mistakes by ensuring pilots receive immediate and clear feedback on the validity of their inputs.