Background
Globally the aviation industry will spend over a billion USD on upset recovery training using Airplane Upset Prevention and Recovery Training Aid (AUPRTA). This is not inline with the recommendations of the AF447 accident report, NASA research on angle of attack (AOA) effectiveness, Boeing publications etc. Fighter aircrafts have been using direct reading AOA indicators since eternity. The reason for training pilots on using indirect or derived methods of recognition of AOA is simply baffling.
Between 2001 and 2011, aeroplane accidents resulting from a loss of control in flight (LOC-I) event were the leading cause of fatalities in commercial aviation. LOC-I accidents often have catastrophic results with very few, if any, survivors.
Reducing the number of LOC-I accidents is an ICAO priority, and ICAO has developed harmonized training requirements for flight crews that address and mitigate LOC-I events. Supported by ICATEE and the FAA ARC, ICAO has introduced improvements to existing Standards and Recommended
Practices (SARPs) and corresponding guidance material. Both on-aeroplane training at the commercial pilot and multi-crew pilot level and training in a flight simulation training device at the airline transport pilot and
type rating level are now promulgated in Annexes.
BEA Recommendation AF447
Full report
Cost
NASA on Angle of Attack indicator effectiveness
AoA indicators have been shown to give pilots more accurate control and knowledge of the aircraft’s performance and aerodynamics, which is especially useful as the aircraft approaches a stall. In addition, some studies have shown that AoA indicators are effective in reducing pilot workload.
The most beneficial use of an AoA display may be as an aid in upset prevention/recovery situations and the detection of pitot or static system failures. However, definitive works quantifying these benefits were not found. The literature did show that AoA can be a beneficial display and may be used in the following phases of flight: take-off, climb, turning, maximizing cruise, descent, final approach, low speed maneuvers, maneuvers to flare, landing, as well as high g turns, approach to stall, and identifying and recovering from stalls at low and high altitudes.
However, definitive works that determine the requirements for an AoA display were not found.
Boeing on fighters and Angle of Attack indicators
| AOA has been used as a primary performance parameter for years on some military aircraft, particularly on fighters. There are many good reasons for this. |
Examples of direct reading Angle of Attack indication
mindFly analysis
Fighter aircrafts are inherently unstable due to the task and tactical requirement. It gives them greater manoeuvrability at the extremities of the flight envelope. They have been flying, using the direct reading angle of attack indicator and it is a necessity for them.
Civilian aircraft are more stable due to the nature of flying and the fact that passenger comfort is a matter of concern. There have been a series of accidents due to loss of control inflight and LOC-I is amongst the top 3 safety concerns of ICAO.
The question that arises is, if the French BEA recommended that only a direct readout of the angle of attack could enable crews to rapidly identify the aerodynamic situation of the aeroplane and take the actions that may be required, why has this not been taken into consideration?
The airlines around the world are spending in total over a billion dollar in training the pilots on upset recovery training and preventing a stall by identifying one. Why are they relying on pitch and speed indicator through indirect methods to calculate angle of attack and take corrective actions? Manufacturers have been providing indicators, e.g Boeing 737 has an optional AOA indicator, Airbus has a BUSS which works on the principle of AOA for unreliable speed indications.
I would suggest that the airlines and other aviation safety/training bodies, review the upset recovery training process and train the pilots on the proven advantages of a simple direct reading AOA indicator in order to simplify and reduce pilot training workload. ICAO must mandate installation of direct reading AOA indicators.
