A flight control system includes a user input apparatus configured to receive a flight change input from a user via a manual manipulation of a position of the user input apparatus. A sensor is coupled to the user input apparatus and configured to determine a change in the position of the user input apparatus. The sensor is also configured to generate position data. A feedback controller is configured to selectively receive the position data and further configured to generate a feedback-control signal when a commanded attitude, corresponding to the change in the position of the user input apparatus is equal to a predetermined threshold. A haptic feedback device is coupled to the user input apparatus and configured to receive the feedback-control signal and, in response to receiving the feedback-control signal, generate haptic feedback motion of the user input apparatus.

In accordance with an embodiment, a method of operating a rotorcraft includes transitioning from a first mode to a second mode when a velocity of the rotorcraft exceeds a first velocity threshold. Transitioning between the first and second modes includes fading out a gain of a dynamic controller over a first period of time, and decreasing a value of an integrator of the dynamic controller over a second period of time. In the first mode, the translational speed of the rotorcraft is determined based on a pilot stick signal, and in the second mode, an output of an attitude rate controller is proportional to an amplitude of the pilot stick signal.

A flight control computer (FCC) for a rotorcraft includes a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program to be executed by the processor, with the program including instructions for providing main rotor overspeed protection. The instructions for providing the main rotor overspeed protection include instructions for monitoring sensor signals indicating a main rotor RPM, determining a target operating parameter, determining one or more flight parameters in response to a relationship between the main rotor RPM and the target operating parameter indicating a main rotor overspeed condition. Determining the one or more flight parameters includes determining a setting for a flight control device of the rotorcraft that changes the main rotor RPM, controlling positioning of a pilot control according to the flight parameters, and controlling the flight control device of the rotorcraft according to positioning of the pilot control.

According to one embodiment, a pilot assistance system includes a trim assembly and a trim assembly control system. The trim assembly is operable to communicate with a pilot control device and operable to apply a force against the pilot control device in resistance of a command received from a pilot via the pilot control device. The trim assembly control system is in communication with the trim assembly, configured to identify a first pilot control device position relative to a reference pilot control device position, and configured to instruct the trim assembly to apply a cueing force against the pilot control device if the pilot control device is positioned proximate to the first pilot control device position.

The system includes a rudder bar configured to be able to be actuated by a pilot of the aircraft, a unit for automatically detecting a position value corresponding to a position of the rudder bar, an auxiliary unit for generating a trim value, a computation unit configured to generate a control value as a function of the position value of the rudder bar and of the trim value. The computation unit is configured to generate the control value according to a nonlinear kinematic relative to the position value of the rudder bar.

A device for managing the mechanical energy of an aircraft, with a force application system on a control lever, includes a support defining a guide; a moving control lever for controlling varying a mechanical energy variation of the aircraft, mounted moving through the guide; and at least one position sensor detecting the position of the moving lever in the guide, configured to create position information for the position of the moving lever in the guide intended to be sent to a flight control unit of the aircraft. The device also includes an active force applicator for applying a force on the moving lever, configured to generate a force applied on the moving lever. The force depends on the position of the moving lever in the guide.

A control device for controlling an aircraft, the control device including at least one motor-driven trim actuator with active type anchoring, the trim actuator including at least one electric motor, at least one electronic power circuit for electrically powering the electric motor(s), and speed reduction means for driving rotation of an outlet shaft of the trim actuator. The control device implements three distinct servo-control loops that are nested in one another, these three servo-control loops being formed by an electric current servo-control loop, a speed servo-control loop, and a force servo-control loop.

A system and method for controlling a trajectory of a vehicle includes a crew seat with first and second inceptors mounted to a portion of the crew seat; a processor with memory having instructions stored thereon that cause the system to: receive signals indicative of a trajectory for the vehicle; receive signals indicative of a deviation in a trajectory of the vehicle; and transmit signals for controlling a flight path of the vehicle. A second inceptor is configured for selecting one or more menus on a user display and being configured to interact with a fly-by-wire control system for transmitting signals indicative of movement of flight surface of the vehicle. The crew seat is configured to be located on the vehicle, in a control station remotely located from the vehicle, or in a second vehicle remotely located from the vehicle.

A method of using a tactile signal warning device forming part of a human-operated flight control member of a rotorcraft. The warning device makes use of an anchorable motorized trim actuator for generating a resisting force against movement of the flight control member. The warning device comprises a warning unit that, as a function of a power margin (MP1) calculated by a predictor unit in compliance with a current regulation rating of the power plant and on condition that state data indicates that an autopilot is activated in a higher operating mode, acts to generate an order to activate the trim actuator depending on the conditions under which the flight control member is being moved as identified by a force management unit.

An apparatus for testing an aircraft Elevator Feel Computer (EFC) including a test box including a housing having a base and a first cover attached to the base. The apparatus includes a pressurized air delivery subsystem with an air pump disposed entirely within the base enclosure. A pressure regulator is to adjustably regulate an air pressure delivered through a regulated air port simultaneously to first and second pitot probes. The apparatus includes a two-channel pneumatic pressure measurement subsystem including first and second pressure gages connected respectively to first and second visco drains, which are connected, respectively to the first and second pitot probes. The apparatus includes a two-channel hydraulic pressure measurement subsystem including first and second hydraulic pressure displays connected respectively to first and second hydraulic transmitters, which are to connect to first and second metered pressure hydraulic inputs of a dual feel actuator from the EFC.