Expert: Marc Ebelini - 11/2/2005

Question
What are the differences between flight control characteristics or Boeing aircraft and Airbus aircraft as far as fly-by-wire characteristics?  What effects do these have on crew resource management, situational awareness, and communication betweet pilots?

Answer
Sorry cannot answer your question because I do not fly or know anyone who flies this type of aircraft. Only someone with that current experience can best answer your question. Because of the size and complexity of these new aircraft the use of mechanical means of control becomes very difficult. Personally, I dislike when third party power is required to perform a primary task. Lost of electrical or hydraulic power to a primary control is always a source of concern. When Lockheed constellations had hydraulic failures, flying them became a pilot's nightmare. Unfortunately, I am not privy to the backup methods used for these new fly by wire systems.
Believe either Popular Science or Popular Mechanics had an article regarding this subject a while back. Perhaps you can find what you need there.