T-41 Advantages And Disadvantages

The T-41 (i.e., the military version of the Cessna 172) had a "simple mechanical" flight control system using direct mechanical linkages. Direct feedback of forces acting on the control surfaces to the control stick (or yoke) provided a natural feel. The feedback was by the "seat of the pants". The trim system was a mechanical linkage connected directly to a trim control wheel in the cockpit. There is no warning in the T-41 if the trim was set incorrectly. It is the pilot’s responsibility to comply with the checklist.
The F-4 had a "simple augmented" system containing mechanical pushrods and cables, but with a power assist (augmentation) which gave the pilot a mechanical advantage allowing faster control surface movement at high speeds. The pilot was given an artificial feel via bellows and springs to compensate for loss of the "natural feel" in the control stick. The trim button in the F-4 was constantly used by the pilot to change the artificial feel of the system as the speed of the aircraft changed, for example. This reduced the required physical pressure that the pilot had to apply to the stick; thereby reducing the pilot’s physical fatigue …show more content…
The F-16 is unique in that it is single-seat and single-engine. As a multirole aircraft, the demands can exceed human performance capabilities; therefore, F-16 pilots are carefully selected from many qualified candidates. Regardless, the demands for consistent human performance cannot be emphasized enough. F-16 pilots were required to be “in the moment” at all times so that they could respond appropriately during demanding and unexpected situations requiring an above and beyond skill level not typically expressed by the typical Air Force pilot . If an F-16 pilot was not up for the demands required for that day, he needed to speak up and remove himself from the flight schedule for that