ToR RMT.0397

Unintended or inappropriate rudder usage — rudder reversals
  • Service experience and occurence investigations show that, regardless of training, some pilots make inadvertent and erroneous rudder inputs. Some pilots might also have a wrong understanding of what the design maneuvering speed (VA) is and the extent of structural protection that exists when an aeroplane is operated at speeds below its VA.
  • Applying inappropriate rudder inputs like rudder reversals may exceed the aeroplane structural limit loads or even ultimate loads. The worst-case scenario is the failure of primary structure and/or flight controls which can lead to a catastrophic loss of control of the aircraft, similar to what happened to the American Airlines A300-600 in November 2001.