Active sidestick operations make so much sense to most pilots that talk of anything else seems a waste of time. Sidesticks are a mainstay in business aircraft like the newest Falcons, recent Embraer jets and Airbus aircraft. The Cirrus fleet of single engine piston aircraft even sports a sidestick of sorts. There’s a difference though between these sidesticks and the system undergoing certification inside the new Gulfstream G500. The Gulfstream’s system is an active sidestick configuration, rather than a passive version like some others.
BAE’s Active Sidestick Debuts in Gulfstream G500
Key Takeaways:
- Active sidesticks provide critical physical feedback and duplicate control inputs between pilots, addressing safety concerns highlighted by the Air France 447 accident where passive systems left pilots unaware of each other's actions.
- These systems significantly enhance pilot situational awareness and precision by mimicking the feel of traditional control wheels, even when the autopilot is active, and also free up cockpit real estate.
- The Gulfstream G500 is the company's first aircraft to feature an active sidestick system, developed with BAE Systems, chosen specifically for its superior safety, real-time feedback, and handling qualities.
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