FADEC making it too easy.

troopernflight

troopernflight

Well-Known Member
I always thought that the more complex aircraft I fly, that the engine start and operating procedures would be more complicated. Is it me, or does FADEC make it too easy? I feel stupid after flying the Citation Encore because it really does not require much brain function to operate these advanced aircraft. It's much harder to start a piston Aztec than the Encore. I guess these push button aircraft are a thing of the future. Sometimes I wish I could have lived in the era when 727's were king and pilot's had to work to start the aircraft and be on their game to stay within limitations. I guess it's nice when you are tired and don't want to have to work too hard, but it kind of takes the fun out of it.
 
troopernflight said:
Sometimes I wish I could have lived in the era when 727's were king and pilot's had to work to start the aircraft and be on their game to stay within limitations. I guess it's nice when you are tired and don't want to have to work too hard, but it kind of takes the fun out of it.
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This.
 
After flying crap for so long where things that didn't work outnumbered the operative ones I like my turbine equipment and it ease of use.
 
Even non fadecs are easier to start than pistons. I do agree that fadec is making it easy. There is not such thing as too easy in a profession where a mistake can cost you your life. I like having fadec especially in single pilot ops.
 
This is kinda like the standard vs automatic transmission debate. I drive a stick because its fun, but in rush hour traffic I would trade it for an automatic in a heartbeat. I think that as long as you go from props to fadec you may get rusty but atleast you have the knowledge.
 
Check out the new TEO-540. Pretty cool stuff, a FADEC'd big bore flat six, push button starting, single lever, and can burn mogas.
 
troopernflight said:
I always thought that the more complex aircraft I fly, that the engine start and operating procedures would be more complicated. Is it me, or does FADEC make it too easy? I feel stupid after flying the Citation Encore because it really does not require much brain function to operate these advanced aircraft. It's much harder to start a piston Aztec than the Encore. I guess these push button aircraft are a thing of the future. Sometimes I wish I could have lived in the era when 727's were king and pilot's had to work to start the aircraft and be on their game to stay within limitations. I guess it's nice when you are tired and don't want to have to work too hard, but it kind of takes the fun out of it.
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Turbines are always easier to start than piston aircraft. It is just the nature of the engine.

I like not having FADEC in the 727. There is no computer on the engine to screw up. I just have to worry about a mechanical failure and I have "RADAR" power available if the sheet ever hits the fan and can take the engines above limits or keep a damaged engine and putting out thrust. Most FADEC's don't allow you to exceed limits period. I wonder how an old JT8D would have faired in the same situation as miracle on the Hudson? Would the pilots have been able to get some usefull thrust out of it. Who knows?
 
A little birdy told me that there was useful thrust available in that situation but, oh, ummmmm never mind! :)
 
ackeight said:
Even non fadecs are easier to start than pistons. I do agree that fadec is making it easy. There is not such thing as too easy in a profession where a mistake can cost you your life. I like having fadec especially in single pilot ops.
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You speaketh the truth. I like turbines...
 
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I think its pretty accurate.
 
Douglas said:
I dunno, I never thought that pistons were difficult or that the PT-6 is all that easier.
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Big pistons can be a pain to manage because you don't want to shock cool them, where with any turbine engine you can bring the power back to flight idle and (hopefully) go down and slow down.

Me? I love FADEC. Starts the engine for me, makes sure I won't break it by giving it too much power, and if it hits the fan will still generate 117% of rated power (for about 90 seconds, then you might start having problems).
 
You'll experience different challenges as you progress. Some things will become easier, others harder. What satisfaction you've lost you'll gain elsewhere.

Think of the 1911 vs. Glock debate. A tricked-out 1911 with a light trigger is awesome, but I want something idiot-proof if I really need to use it.

You are also experiencing something we've previously discussed on these boards: new airplanes give us all an opportunity to become complacent. Take the opportunity to not let it happen!
 
I also wanted to add that with the addition of any new system comes the possibility of a new set of malfunctions. A CRJ-200 had a fuel control unit failure where it metered 2,000PPH (instead of 400PPH) into one of the engines during a start. Had the crew member noticed this (I know I would NOT have, not armchair quarterbacking - it was a wakeup call for me), they might have aborted the start before the tailpipe fire.
 
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