Stig Shift #19 (Aircraft Maintenance Adventures) 

Follow-up on Stig's explanation of Airbus Control Laws - the Simplified Control Law Matrix for the A320 family, with their equivalent/popular names: Normal Law (Airbus Mode) Alternate Law (737 Mode) Direct Law (MD-80 Mode) Mechanical Backup ("We're all gonna die" Mode) Alternate, Direct, and Mechanical Backup are known as the reconfiguration laws; there's actually a fifth mode called Abnormal Attitude Law which comes into play if the aircraft gets upset through a wake turbulence encounter, windshear, a microburst, etc... When I was a newbie FO the instructors had us try to actually maneuver (in the sim, of course) in Mechanical Backup, but it's iffy. The real purpose of that mode is to keep the plane upright while getting back up to one of the higher modes. It is better than, but not by a lot, what Al Haines and United 232 faced going into Sioux City. There is no aileron control whatsoever, so no bank control; the wings are leveled by rudder-rolling the airplane, which in turn negates holding any heading. and pitch is by the manual trim wheel. If you're within a couple of thousand feet and 90 degrees of where you're supposed to be, you're doing well. The good news is that as Stig mentioned the AIrbus is built on redundancy; it takes "multiple failures of multiple redundant systems" * to drop into Alternate Law. During training when we need to work in Alternate Law the instructors will turn off at least two computers to force the airplane into Alternate Law. If in real life an ELAC (Elevator/Aileron Computer) were to fail, there's another one on the other side so the airplane stays in Normal Law and behaves...well, normally. If we lose both ELACs we drop into Alternate Law and the SECs (Spoiler/Elevator Computers) control roll through the spoilers (the ailerons are lost) and pitch through the elevators. We would have to lose all five of those computers to get to Mechanical Backup; in my career I've never seen one even act up, let alone fail. I was told, when I was a new hire, that in our company's entire history with the Airbus we've only had seven instances of planes getting to Alternate Law; I don't know if that was true, and there's probably been some since then, but it's very very rare. The hydraulic power sources for the flight controls are likewise redundant (since Stig mentioned/showed both the Hydraulic and Flight Control system pages) - we have three hydraulic systems (which themselves have redundancy) and everything is powered by at least two systems, which differ from side to side; as an example on the F/CTL page (19:35), the left elevator is powered by the Blue and Green hydraulic systems while the right is powered by the Blue and Yellow systems. the only exceptions are the ailerons which are both powered by the same Blue and Green systems - but the ailerons are backed up by the spoilers, which also have Yellow system hydraulic power, so there's still redundancy. The FLT/C page actually shows which hydraulic system(s) powers which flight control (as well as the actual control positions) and the status of the Flight Computers - green is online, amber is offline. It's a remarkably informative display. So if an AIrbus has even one operative flight computer, and any one hydraulic system, it's flyable, * If, during oral examinations a pilot says, "multiple failures of multiple redundant systems," they give us each a cookie, pat us on the head, and let us go home for the day....

BEST AVIATION CHANNEL ON RU-vid

AA is fortunate to have such a great employee. We love his attitude! It’s not work, ITS FUN! I remember.

I'm so glad I refreshed my page and saw the video! Best day of the week is when Stig uploads

Yay!!! Woohoo!! Stig Shift!! It never gets old because Stig makes it fun!!

Hi Stig! Love what you do and how enthusiastic you are about aviation. Thank you for all the great information. I’ve always been an airliner enthusiast but you have taught me so much more than I ever knew. Your videos are amazing ! Thank you!

24:25 The official name for that thing is the CDTI which stand for "Cockpit Display of Traffic Information." It's more than just an ADS-B traffic display, it lets us maintain a certain distance behind another aircraft, or cross a specific way point a certain number of seconds behind one. We use the CDU in conjunction with the CDTI to set up our desired spacing and then it gives us a commanded speed to fly to achieve that. We're currently in a trial with Albuquerque center and DFW approach to see how well the system works before it gets rolled out to other fleets and airlines.

Yay another stig shift I can watch these videos for hours and never get bored

Living vicariously through the airplane dude!

Always excited to see this videos!

I love how you make a job that a lot of people probably find mundane and repetitive look so interesting and entertaining. Thanks for all the great content, and thank you even more for taking the time to educate us!

A stig upload is exactly what I love to see after coming home from work here in Ireland

Those physical checklist switches look immensely satisfying to flip on and off.

(~21:09). Uh oh! Like every other operating job - power plants, ships, railroads, paper mills etc., pilot's are being automated out. Haha. Happened to me years ago. I was an Engineer & Mech on C - 130's in the USCG back in the day. Now no more Engineer's. AlI automated out. Nobody runs 'em anymore.

Do you realize how amazing your videos are? Seriously... THANK YOU!

I pay for every streaming platform going , but look forward to this weekly episode the most. Says it all

My type of night, Thanks Stig!

The algorithm recommended this channel. I've been binge watching. This channel is facinating.

I can't believe I've just found these videos! I've been flying on American since the mid-80's out of LAX and frequently use the LHR flights every year. It's really comforting to know someone like Stig is down there making sure the B777's are good to go!

This is one of the very few RU-vid channels that I watch every video end to end on. The more technical in details these video goes, the more intrigued I am. Sometimes the technical details are far beyond my understanding, but I don’t care. I love it anyway! Thanks Stig for sharing your adventures with us! You are living my dream!

4:48 Since 4 digit flight numbers are much more common now a lot of pilots have changed to setting those dials to the number of souls on board. When we declare an emergency ATC will ask for the fuel and number of souls on board so having the number right there is a lot easier than trying to find it on a piece of paper during an emergency.

Whether i have already watched the video or not whenever its hard to fall asleep,i just watch one your vlog and listen to u explaining many interesting things about aviation.Thank you😊

Loving the technology love the technical. More the merrier Stig!

Getting my Stig fix....Thanks ....watch all your video's...Always keep learning for you!!! .....Good stuff....Thanks old A&P AECU ..... Stay well brother

You alone keep me more entertained than any other RU-vid, I've never seen a RU-vidr so humble and FUN!

I love that you call the jets, "the office".

Love your content. Something different, educational even though I don't know if I ever need it. Your voice is not annoying and it's pleasing to listen. No unnecessary bias. Long videos are also good thing.

Stig!

Great to see another video from the legend himself!

Just to let you know Stig how much we all appreciate the time you take to answer and respond to pretty much all the comments too!

...."Not very exciting this week" ?!!! seriously ?!! Every vlog that the Stig puts out is exciting, fascinating, educating and thrilling to watch. Even for someone who works in the aviation industry himself, albeit military not civil !! 😉

Love this videos, huge inspiration for me

Good to see your post.

Cheers cheers sir. You have nice trip. God bless you

Good video as usual, I'm looking forward!!! ✈

I love the info in your videos 👍👍

I love your videos keep up the good work and I can't want. For more. I am a subscriber to your channel and I'll watch all your videos even the old ones.😊

6:14 the water being pushed out from under the concrete slab (L main gear) O.O 22:00 For those who are interested, here's some values for the attitude protections: maximum pitch: UP30° (UP25° Flap full; UP20° slow speeds)// DN15° maximum bank angle: 33° (67 with continuous (full) sidestick deflection) load factor protection: +2.5 / -1 67°bank is also the maximum bnk angle to maintain altitude at the maximum load factor of 2.5g One Law not mentioned, but I kind of see it more of a mode rather than an independent law is rotate law. While on older Airbus planes during take off you were in direct law, meaning stick deflection is directly linked to control surface deflection, in rotate law, similar to normal law, you command a pitch rate. The entire law and mode system is incredibly complex yet somewhat intuitive and incredibly well thought out. Super interesting topic, really 28:32 is that not very common in the US / at American? Here (Europe) Crews usually keep the aircraft for the day. Of course it's not uncommon for crews to have multiple planes a day but the majority of the cases the crew stays on the plane for all legs of that day.

As a young person who loves aviation, these videos really help me learn more on how to fly/maintain planes! Thanks Stig!

HI STIG!!! Upvoted! Thanks for your video. You are an awesome guy.

having a bit of a rough evening, but hearing your bright and genuinely happy demeanor in your videos always cheers me up :)

LETS GO ANOTHER STIG SHIFT!!! Coming off from work to a new stig shift episode is the best. As someone who aspires to be an aerospace engineer, this is one of the best channels I have ever encountered. (Most wholesome too :)

The way u explain maintenance Stuff to us is highly appreciable thanks sir❤

Airplanes are just amazing

Awwwwww yeah!

Early for once? I can feel this is going to be a good one

Another awesome video - Thank you. I really love these :)

Man your knowledge surrounding aircraft’s is awe inspiring. Keep up the good work I am thoroughly enjoying these videos 🫶🏼

The best day of the week 🙌🏻

Boeing issues: door plug failure, missing bolts, loose hardware, stuck rudder pedals, window cracks Airbus: seat cushion

Your videos just popped up on my recommendations I have to say I am hooked. Not only is the content interesting and I get to learn new things about aviation that most places don't cover but it's honestly just nice to see someone doing something they really enjoy.

Awesome as always. Makes my day when I see your videos show up.

I like how the "Stab" wheel actually stabs you in the knee.

Wooo hello stig

Just to add what stig said about the lockout for the shoulder harness if the pilot for some reason becomes incapacitated , you can use the lock out to make sure the pilot doesn't fall forward and stays in one spot

Keep doing what your doing Stig. We are all learning together on your journey and its a privilege to be part of it. Thank you for doing this and for raising awareness of the job you and others do. I love that your channel is fast becoming an archive for other RU-vidr's who analyse air incidents due to your unique access. I also think the content you capture is important as its rarely recorded and these birds won't be around forever.

#american airlines 4 life

when your early and only 360p pops up lol

I am so glad your channel popped up in my feed. Great videos, great attitude... I have learned so much. My dad was a B24 pilot and I grew up with a love of aviation... Keep the videos coming! They are awesome!

Stig, you are a total crew chief! Love this channel!

Those cyber trucks are the ugliest things I have ever seen no style at all

Another excellent video. You have quickly become my favorite channel on RU-vid! Thank you for making this content.

Awesome vids! Keep it coming please.

I love your channel its so interesting and im learning lots from it . Thank you so much . Your a very clever guy .

Thanks for uploading another one buddy! Love watching these

I only just found your channel a week ago, and I'm now going through your previous videos too. Your videos are great, with loads of technical detail which is superb! I agree with loads of your subscribers that your channel is one of the best here. I'm a design engineer in the aerospace industry (civil jet engines) and I have to say I get a lot out of your videos, both technical detail and an appreciation of your work in aircraft maintenance which is fascinating. Thank you!

Yet another superb video from Stig. And 1000 extra points for featuring a Cybertruck! ❤

Another great video Stig.

Just thinking about you stig & how you've not posted a stig shift lately am from Scotland it's 3:40am & just noticed you posted this an hour ago NICE 1 give me something to watch 👍

As always, thanks for your content, very educational and entertaining. You efforts are appreciated!

This is the best video yet! And the last one was brilliant.

Love your channel. My brother has worked for AA / Tulsa for 40 years. Still going 👍

I love your videos - I am currently doing my ATPL and its so helpful and nice to watch your videos to understand different aircrafts and systems better. Keep going.

LETS GOOO STIG!! Keep em coming king, absolutely love these!

Great video as always! Super knowledgeable and interesting content. Thanks Stig!

Not sure how I stumbled upon your channel but I’m glad I did

The best RU-vid channel. Always waiting for your next video. Thank you very much for the well done work and all the explanations 👋

It's a great day when Stig Aviation posts and super enjoyable video thanks for that help me relax

I love this channel. It just never gets boring to watch Stig explaining things and shares all his great knowledge about aviation.

Great job Stig... Always amazing and interesting content! Good luck in Chicago!!

Pretty obvious you love your job and that good attitude shines right through!

@ 14:00 .. I wish I could tighten bolts that fast ... great video Stiggy... thank you for keeping us all safe in the air 👍👍

I love the retro liveries. They are super cool.

I love this guy!! Does my heart good to see a man that loves what he does!!!

Dream job. Take care yourself!

Yes, great video Stig. Even when you say it was an easy day, don't forget that your viewers are lapping it up and wish they were working beside you. You have a great work ethic, can see your enthusiasm. From Australia 🇦🇺

Informative and enjoyable. Great Job, well done. Safe, Legal and Efficient.

I like the way you explain everything... Thank you.

A great episode about aviation, again, and as ever. 😅

I absolutely love seeing these types of videos and this side of the industry. Aviation is my biggest passion and I cannot wait for a new video every week. Keep it up!

Stig you always have the best videos!! I’m currently in A&P school your channel keeps me motivated and informs me on so much. I hope you have a wonderful day and good luck on that competition!

Not only do I really enjoy your fun video's cause they're full of so much commercial aviation information, your cheerful attitude toward your important work is also appreciated.

Fabulous video Stig! That silver Jaguar is a 1951 Xk120 OTS (open top seater). Thats a pretty special car on your ramp! It’s a historic car that races in Mille Miglia in Italy, in what used to be the 1000 mile race. Pretty cool find! Hope you’re having a great week!

Another masterclass. 👍

I just love watching these, I saw one and now im hooked ! Love the videos man hope to see this channel get over 1mil subs one day !!

Now we are down to the nitty gritty , changing the pilot's seat , love it 👍👍

Stig- there doesn't have to be a lot, we just love your storytelling!

BRILLIANT as always.

Thanks Stig, Good luck in the comps, You'll smash it.

You have an amazing job stig. HEEEE,UGE responsibility to say the least. Huge fan buds! Keep em flying hombre!