Aircraft Side Stick Controller

An attraction of a FlyByWire system is the ability to replace the conventional control wheel/column with a small side stick or arm controller.  Apart from the size and location and lack of movement, it acts in the same way as a normal flight control.

The side stick controllers are installed on the captain's and first officer's forward lateral consoles.  An adjustable armrest is fitted on each seat to facilitate the side stick control.  The side stick controllers are electrically coupled.

In the case of one pilot wanting to take control of the aircraft (priority), the “Take-over” button is used to signal the priority system.  A visual indication is given on the glare shield to the pilots to indicate left or right side-stick priority.  In auto-pilot operation the side-stick controllers remain in neutral position.