The Process for Addressing the Challenges of Aircraft Pilot Coupling

The term 'Pilot Induced Oscillation' is misleading in that it places an undue emphasis on the role of the pilot in the process. Clearly, the phenomenon cannot occur in the absence of the pilot, but the term PIO suggests that the pilot is in some way responsible for the occurrence. He is not. The phenomenon may be better described by the title 'Aircraft-Pilot Coupling', or A-PC. This may be considered to better describe what is actually occurring when the pilot is trying to perform his normal function, i.e., that of controlling the aircraft which he is flying. For a designer, the objective should be to ensure that there is no possibility of A-PC occurring. Associated with this, the goal should also be to achieve Level 1 handling qualities. The key is to understand the Process involved in design and test and to ensure that this is exercised to achieve the objective. This has to be set alongside the management goals of better, faster and cheaper, in order that the manufacturer can remain competitive in the market.