ABSTRACT
Flight management systems (FMS) have been criticised for being too complex, and vulnerable to crew error. However, there have been little operational data available. This paper summarises results from a new study, recording FMS related events in service. Results suggest that the issues may be different from those first envisaged: for example, incompatibility between the aircraft system and the wider aviation environment seems more apparent than lack of understanding on the part of the crew.
In addition to reporting these data, suggestions will be made to address the issues raised, primarily from the regulators viewpoint. These will include ‘human factors’ acceptance criteria, evidence of competent development activity, in-service flaw reporting, and formal links to training programmes.
Views expressed in this paper are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily represent CAA policy.
