Fly - By - Wire Failure, Part 1

Fly - By - Wire Failure, Part 1

Author: Aviation International News November 7, 2017 Duration: 25:25

On Oct. 7, 2008, Qantas Flight 72 was flying over the Indian Ocean from Singapore to Perth, Australia. Kevin Sullivan, pilot-in-command of the Airbus A330, was flying on autopilot at 37,000 feet when suddenly warnings started sounding throughout the cockpit; the primary flight control computers were malfunctioning. The aircraft began to pitch up, and Sullivan realized he was just another passenger, for a short time unable to control the errant Airbus. After regaining control of the A330, Sullivan then had to decide whether to make an emergency landing at the nearest airport, the military field at Learmonth, or continue another hour and a half to Perth. In this episode of AIN's The Human Factor, Sullivan recounts how he was able to identify the issues affecting the A330's fly-by-wire flight controls and minimize damage while planning how how to keep his 315 passengers safe.


There’s a story behind every landing, a decision in every cockpit, and a human element in every flight log. AIN's Tales from the Flight Deck, from Aviation International News, pulls back the curtain on those moments. This isn't about dry technical briefings or theoretical scenarios. Instead, each episode sits you in the jumpseat for candid, first-person narratives from pilots, controllers, and aviation professionals who have been there. You’ll hear the subtle tension in a voice recounting an unexpected weather encounter, the thoughtful pause before explaining a critical split-second choice, and the relief in sharing a lesson learned. The conversations are intimate and detailed, focusing on the real-world application of procedure and the nuanced judgment calls that define safety aloft. By prioritizing genuine experience over lecture, this podcast builds a profound understanding of aviation safety from the ground up. It’s for anyone fascinated by the realities of flight, whether you’re a seasoned aviator, an aspiring pilot, or simply someone who looks up at a passing airliner and wonders about the skill and stories inside. Tune in for a compelling, human-centered perspective that goes far beyond the headlines.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 34

AIN's Tales from the Flight Deck
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