Quantcast

Understanding pilot-induced oscillations: causes, effects, solutions, and technological impacts

Exclusive: Turkey's surprise Air Europa deal came down to one key thing: control
Major airline launches exciting new route from Scotland to popular US location
Airlines fear carbon tax as flagship climate scheme develops holes
Ryanair scraps three Vienna routes, demands lower taxes and fees
Turkish Airlines has no intention of raising stake in Spain's Air Europa, chairman says
US lawmakers want Trump to reinstate delay compensation plan for air travelers
IATA pushes to raise international pilot retirement age to 67
US orders Delta and Aeromexico to dissolve their partnership over fairness concerns in Mexico
Southwest’s New Wheelchair Policy Will Require Passengers to Remove 1 Item Before Boarding — What to Know
Aviation expansion: IndiGo to start direct Mumbai-Copenhagen flights from Oct 8; marks entry into Nordics - The Times of India
Major change for ALL Aer Lingus passengers flying from busy airport to offer 'modern and streamlined' experience
Southwest Airlines adds Sonoma County in California expansion - The Points Guy
Routes & Networks Latest: Rolling Daily Updates (W/C Sept. 8, 2025)
Delta Sees Record Premium Seats in '26, Main Cabin Flat or Down
Southwest requiring removal of batteries from mobility devices before boarding
EasyJet to launch 11 new flight routes from small UK airport named the best in Europe
Tycoon unveils £25 billion rival Heathrow expansion plan
Boeing and Airbus ground green plane projects
50 New Routes Launching In September 2025
JetBlue's Network Shake-Up: Its Top 10 Routes This Month
Proposals for commercial planes to operate with one pilot shelved after critical EU report
Air Travel Fatalities Up 300% in 2024, According to Shocking Global Report
Aviation sector faces steeper losses in FY26; passenger growth slows amid headwinds: ICRA - The Times of India
Boeing Halts Strike Talks Amid $36 Billion Deal & Union Dispute
FAA’s Broader Runway Safety Push Builds on EMAS Legacy
Ryanair CEO says aviation sustainability targets are 'dying a death'
US FAA funds system to prevent accidents involving runaway airplanes
Exclusive: Korean Air makes airline's biggest-ever Boeing jet order amid Trump-Lee summit
Boeing Stock Jumps on Massive Korean Air Order
2025 Air Canada flight attendants strike - Wikipedia
Understanding pilot-induced oscillations: causes, effects, solutions, and technological impacts
Policy
Webp received 693086223403749
Air France Boeing B777-300ER | Official Website

Pilot-induced oscillation (PIO) is a critical issue in aviation, characterized by a feedback loop where the pilot's control inputs exacerbate rather than stabilize an aircraft's flight path. Modern advancements in automated flight control systems aim to reduce the incidence of PIOs but can sometimes complicate situations by competing with pilot inputs.

Skybrary describes PIOs as "sustained or uncontrollable oscillations resulting from the efforts of the pilot to control the aircraft.” The oscillations occur when a pilot inadvertently commands increasing series of corrections in opposite directions.

Recent incidents, such as a Boeing B777-300ER operated by Air France at Tokyo Narita Airport, highlight how PIOs can arise during critical phases of flight like landing.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Skybrary explains, "The majority of severe PIO events result from some deficiency in the design of the aircraft Flight Control Systems (FCS) that result in an adverse coupling of the pilot with the aircraft."

According to NASA's research, "The great diversity of human pilot response patterns, excessive lags and/or inappropriate gain in effective aircraft dynamics, and transitions in either the human or effective aircraft dynamics are among the key sources implicated as factors in severe PIOs." Delays in the aircraft's reaction to pilot input can lead to increased overcorrection by the pilot.

Technological interference with pilot input is a significant concern. Automated systems may improve safety but can also introduce complexities when not properly integrated or understood.

Solutions for PIOs include effective training practices. LE Aviation suggests that "the PIO can be conquered through sufficient practice of go-arounds after the main gear touches the ground."

To mitigate the risks, pilots are encouraged to increase their experience and focus during critical phases of flight. Automatic systems should be implemented thoughtfully, ensuring pilots retain manual flying skills.

As aviation technology evolves, it is crucial to maintain a balance between advanced systems and human control to minimize PIO occurrences and ensure the safety of air travel.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Etihad Airways has announced the launch of a new route connecting Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa.

Oct 27, 2025

United Airlines has unveiled its Summer 2026 schedule, which includes new flights from Newark to Bari, Split, Santiago de Compostela, and Glasgow, as well as from Newark to Seoul and Washington, D.C., to Reykjavik.

Oct 27, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines has announced a limited-time 20% discount on fares between Addis Ababa and Porto.

Oct 27, 2025

Avianca has announced that passengers are encouraged to register for the Biomig biometric migration system to avoid lines and delays at participating airports in Colombia.

Oct 27, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced an upgrade to its mobile application, enhancing travel convenience ahead of the holiday season.

Oct 27, 2025

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced the closure of Terminal 5 to commence significant renovations aimed at enhancing the passenger experience.

Oct 27, 2025