As noted previously, the 777 flight deck utilizes standard flight deck controls; a control column, wheel, and rudder pedals that are mechanically linked between the Captain’s and First Officer’s controls. This precludes any conflicting input between the Captain and First Officer into the Primary Flight Control System. Instead of the pilot controls driving quadrants and cables, as in a conventional system, they are attached to electrical transducers that convert mechanical displacement into electrical signals. A gradient control actuator is attached to the two control column feel units. These units provide the tactile feel of the control column by proportionally increasing the amount of force the pilot experiences during a maneuver with an increase in airspeed. This is consistent with a pilot’s experience in conventional commercial jet transports. Additionally, the flight deck controls are fitted with what are referred to as ‘‘backdrive actuators.” As the name implies, these actuators backdrive the flight deck controls during autopilot operation. This feature is also consistent with what a pilot is used to in conventionally controlled aircraft and allows the pilot to monitor the operation of the autopilot via immediate visual feedback of the pilot controls that is easily recognizable.
