Read the text and using your knowledge and the information below discuss in pairs the fly-by-wire system.

The Airbus A380 fly - by - wire control system

(http://static.progressivemediagroup.com/uploads/imagelibrary/nri/aerospace/

features/dreamliner-a380-cockpits/fly-by-wire-a380.jpg)

New sophisticated flight control systems have developed to increase safety. On the one hand, computer doesn’t allow pilots to do anything dangerous. So, a built-in protection can prevent an accident and make an aircraft safer. For example, there are protections to prevent overspeed or stall. The improvements in flight control have led to considerable reductions in the workload of pilots during cruise phase of flight.

On the other hand, when the system is fully automated, it reduces the pilot’s capability, e.g. to miss another aircraft or the ground.

8. Look at the picture of the Datalink

Control and Display Unit. Tell the

Group what you know about Datalink

Communication system.

Work in pairs. Before you read

The text Datalink, note down

Advantages and disadvantages

Of using messages

Rather than voice communication.

Read the text. Then tell the group whether any of your ideas are mentioned there.

Datalink

There is a new technology in radio communication called Datalink. A digital Datalink communication system is used for transmission of short, relatively simple text messages between aircraft (pilots) and ground stations (controllers) via radio or satellite instead of voice communication. These communications may include clearances, requests, reports, or any related ATS (air traffic service) information. For example, in many parts of the world, meteorological updates are now sent this way.

There are generally recognized advantages for both safety and efficiency. Clear text messages reduce communication errors, so there is no need to constantly check, confirm and clarify the information. It also reduces frequency congestion and makes communication fast and safe. The messages are delivered with higher reliability than voice transmission.

On the other hand, Datalink has its disadvantages. Pilots and controllers may use different words and abbreviations to write messages (especially when they do not speak the same language), and it may lead to misunderstanding. What is more, writing and reading text messages increase the crew’s workload, and in an emergency situation they don’t have time to read and write them. Finally, when both text and voice messages are used the crew’s attention is divided and it is easy to miss a call.

Role-play the situation.

Student A is a pilot who uses Datalink in his job.

Student B does not. Ask Student A among other questions the following ones:

· what the advantages / disadvantages of Datalink are;

· what the main principles of its operation are;

· if he would recommend to use Datalink to all pilots and ATCOs in thier jobs; Why/Why not;

· what his own idea of the perfect technology to solve the problems of pilot-ATC communication is.