A-00-042
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE FAA: DEVELOP SETS OF OPERATING LIMITATIONS FOR SPERRY AEROSPACE SP-50 AND SP-150 AUTOPILOTS ON COUPLED INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM APPROACHES THAT ARE APPROPRIATE FOR THE DESENSITIZATION SCHEDULES USED BY THESE AUTOPILOTS SO THAT EVERY POSSIBLE DESENSITIZATION SCHEDULE HAS A CORRESPONDING SET OF OPERATING LIMITATIONS. THE LIMITATIONS SHOULD ADDRESS APPROACH FLAP SETTINGS AND AIRSPEEDS SPECIFICALLY, AND SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER TOLERANCES ON WINDS, CAPTURE ALTITUDES, GLIDE SLOPE ANGLES, AND/OR OTHER PARAMETERS THAT COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT AUTOPILOT PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY OF FLIGHT.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The FAA is asked to create sets of operating limitations for Sperry Aerospace SP-50 and SP-150 autopilots when used on coupled instrument landing system approaches. These limitations must match each possible desensitization schedule and specifically address approach flap settings and airspeeds, while also considering tolerances for winds, capture altitudes, glide slope angles, and other parameters that could negatively affect autopilot performance or flight safety.
This plain-language summary is written by FlightFinder to explain the recommendation above. It is not the official wording — the verbatim NTSB text is quoted above.
Details
| Status | Closed - Acceptable Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Jan 14, 2004 |
| NTSB number | DCA98MA023 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).