A-00-044
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE FAA: REVIEW THE CERTIFICATION OF ALL AUTOPILOT SYSTEMS THAT USE TIME-BASED DESENSITIZATION SCHEDULES AND DEVELOP OPERATING LIMITATIONS, AS NECESSARY, FOR THE USE OF THESE AUTOPILOT ON COUPLED INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM APPROACHES. 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 review the certification of all autopilot systems that use time-based desensitization schedules and, where needed, develop operating limitations for their use on coupled instrument landing system approaches. These limitations should specifically address approach flap settings and airspeeds, and also consider tolerances on winds, capture altitudes, glide slope angles, and other parameters that could negatively affect autopilot performance and 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 | Jul 31, 2003 |
| 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).