A-86-132
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: CONDUCT A SPECIAL CERTIFICATION REVIEW OF THE BENDIX M-4 SERIES AUTOPILOT SYSTEMS AND TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION TO CORRECT ANY DEFICIENCIES IDENTIFIED. THE REVIEW SHOULD INCLUDE AN EVALUATION OF THE AUTOPILOT ALTITUDE CONTROLLER, THE AUTOPILOT PRIMARY SERVO ASSEMBLIES INCLUDING THE ELECTROMAGNETIC CLUTCHES, THE CAPSTANS AND BRIDLE CABLES, RESPECTIVE CAPSTAN TORQUE CRITERIA AND TORQUE ADJUSTING MECHANISMS, AND THE AUTOPILOT ELECTRIC TRIM SERVO ASSEMBLIES INCLUDING THE MECHANICAL AND ELECTRIC CLUTCHES.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The Federal Aviation Administration is asked to perform a special certification review of the Bendix M-4 series autopilot systems and to address any problems found. The review must examine the autopilot altitude controller, primary servo assemblies with electromagnetic clutches, capstans and bridle cables, capstan torque criteria and adjustment mechanisms, and electric trim servo assemblies including both mechanical and electric clutches.
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 Alternate Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Feb 28, 1989 |
| NTSB number | FTW86MA097 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).