“You have ...Power!” - Flight Controls VII

We spoke about human error last time around. Now with regard to human error, before I give the impression of finger-pointing the FBW, I want to clarify that human error is applicable equally to both the FBW and control cable systems. This means that it is as easy to make mistakes rigging flight control systems on both types. It’s a difficult task, maintenance-vise to rig and fine tune these systems. The FBW’s today have something called a Built In Test Equipment (BITE) that checks for system malfunctions and gives a reasonably accurate error indication and sometimes locations of malfunctions and equipment requiring attention. However, one still needs to get all the plugs in the right sockets! Figuratively speaking? Not really.

Here’s a story of how things nearly got out of hand.
"Two Maintenance Mistakes Reveal Similar Systemic Shortcomings"

It was a result of cross-wiring the Captains side-stick. That is, a right Aileron ‘up’ command actually led to the left aileron going up, and vice versa. Something that should have been caught out at some stage? Well, at the least during the Preflight? Well, this one escaped all safety nets, and brought a wing tip within 5 feet of the ground!
Again, I’d hasten to add that cable control systems have been cross rigged on many occasions as well. It’s just that in a FBW system, given the advanced nature of the systems, back-ups, error indications, and what not, we should be able to prevent something like this. Something as basic as this!
Maybe it’s easier to get complacent when you have technology of the type available today, to back you up? Maybe. My view of it is that technology can and should be used; but more so as an aid. If we fail to connect our plugs in the right sockets, and to read what technology is telling us, we are not only failing to make use of that technology, but we are arming it (in the true sense of the word) to take away from us, the power we gave it, ENTIRELY!
Until the next time you hear - “You have control” – Fly Safe