Highly-integrated, interdependent aircraft systems

AOC Number

43

Primary domain

T

Secondary domain

Description

Integration of aircraft systems and controls will provide unprecedented utilization of automation, communication, navigation and surveillance accuracy and integrity. Advanced automation is taking full advantage of data sharing among previously independent components and systems. As more crew functions are automated there is a high reliance on the integrity and fidelity of the data exchanged.

Input from Michael K., Bombardier?

Potential hazards

1. High and low criticality functions sharing computing and data bus resources instead of being physically separated. Software-based isolation and independence is much more “fluid” and difficult to assure than relying on hardware.
2. Lost or erroneous inputs can result in a cascade of effects on the aircraft.
3. Inadequate self-checks to verify software for accuracy and integrity due to system complexity.

Corroborating sources and comments

• http://www.casa.gov.au/corporat/riskreport.pdf
• The Dream Becomes Reality – Creating A Model For The Future – the training process to support the B787,
  http://halldale.com/insidesnt/dream-becomes-reality-creating-model-future
• The principal training task was not so much how to physically fly the aircraft but rather, how to learn to operate the highly integrated, interdependent and sophisticated systems in an optimum way and with confidence.
• Connected Pilot is the first Connected Panel hardware and software system
  http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=3f1f7e1d-dcc4-4a92-9360-a2641919cbdc

Last update

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