The Evolution of Flight Controls: From Yokes to Side Sticks

🚁Early Boeing aircraft used yokes, while Airbus introduced side sticks with its A320 family.

📺Military aircraft have also used side sticks and fly-by-wire technology since the 1960s.

🛠️Active side sticks, with servo mechanisms and force feedback, could address limitations of current side sticks.

⚖️Side sticks offer weight savings and allow for closer placement of flight displays.

🛩️While there are potential benefits to active side sticks, technological limitations delayed their introduction until recently.

Why do Boeing aircraft use yokes?

—Boeing has traditionally used yokes for flight controls, as they provide a direct tactile connection and feedback to the pilots.

Why did Airbus switch to side sticks?

—Airbus introduced side sticks for their airliners to reduce weight, improve cockpit layout, and enable touch screen displays.

What are the limitations of current side sticks?

—Current side sticks lack feedback between left and right sticks, and may not provide clear indications of trim status.

What are active side sticks?

—Active side sticks have servo mechanisms and force feedback, allowing for synchronized movement and improved trim control.

When were active side sticks introduced?

—The technology required for active side sticks has only recently become available, making their introduction possible.

00:00Introduction discussing the use of yokes in Boeing aircraft and side sticks in Airbus aircraft.

01:47Background on the introduction of side sticks in Airbus A320 family and their use in military jets.

09:26Exploration of the benefits of active side sticks, including improved feedback and trim control.

12:59Explanation of the technological limitations that delayed the introduction of active side sticks.