A380 Pilot controls

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Member for

16 years 7 months

Posts: 369

Apologies for the lamens question, but watching a little of the A380 on TV, I dont see any hand controls (stick etc etc) for the pilot......Have I missed something ? or do the retract during level flying/cruising :confused:

Original post

Member for

11 years 2 months

Posts: 901

It's a joy stick to the captains left.

Member for

16 years

Posts: 1,059

All Airbuses are the same.

Member for

15 years 9 months

Posts: 652

Not the early ones A.300/310...they had conventional yokes.

Member for

16 years

Posts: 1,059

Oh, right. I didn't know that.

I think I'd prefer a yoke if I was a commercial airline pilot.

Member for

15 years 9 months

Posts: 652

I imagine I would too...seems better to have something in front of you to fold with two hands

The Captain is flying left handed and I can't imagine that being comfortable.

But it seems it's OK as we don't hear about it.

Member for

15 years 9 months

Posts: 1,684

By this reckoning - "All Airbus Captains (sans A300/310s) are LEFTIES" :D:highly_amused::D

Member for

18 years 5 months

Posts: 992

To be honest, most flying of GA aircraft (which is where all pilots start) is conducted left handed anyway. Left hand on the control column and right hand on the throttle. If anything, it would be the co-pilot that may feel uncomfortable.

Member for

16 years

Posts: 1,059

Flying left-handed must be easy.

I don't have any trouble driving left-hand-drive cars.

Member for

20 years 7 months

Posts: 2,623

It takes about 6hrs in a simulator to be fully comfortable with swapping from right to left seat and visa versa. It really isn't a big deal and it really isn't a big deal whether it's a conventional yoke or a sidestick. The issue is getting used to the Airbus' control laws, that's a different kettle of fish altogether ;)

Absolutely correct Deano! And I personally believe that philosophy contributed to the AF447 and Afriquiyah accidents. With standard yokes there can be no doubt as to who is doing what and who has control.