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Airbus A320 Software Snag: Why ELAC 2's Silent Failure Puts Planes at Risk

A former Indian Air Force pilot has highlighted a serious software issue in Airbus A320 aircraft. He explains that the ELAC 2 flight control computer fails to show fault warnings, which can cause the plane to move on its own. In response, India's aviation regulator has grounded several Airbus models over safety concerns. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India Express are now rushing to complete mandatory system upgrades.

Key Points: Former IAF Pilot Details Airbus A320 ELAC 2 Software Fault Risk

  • Former IAF pilot demonstrates the fault on a flight simulator, showing no warnings
  • ELAC 2's role is to convert pilot inputs and monitor for system faults
  • DGCA bans multiple Airbus models over safety risks from a software update
  • Airbus warned intense solar radiation could corrupt critical flight control data
  • IndiGo confirms its entire A320 fleet is now compliant with safety upgrades
3 min read

'ELAC 2 shows no fault warnings, plane begins moving without pilot's input': Former IAF pilot on Airbus A320 software snag

A retired IAF pilot explains the critical Airbus A320 software flaw where ELAC 2 shows no warnings, allowing planes to move without pilot input. DGCA issues directive.

"The problem here is that the ELAC 2 system shows no warning of faults and the plane starts movements without the pilot's input. - Captain (Retd) Ehsan Khalid"

Noida, November 30

Former Indian Air Force pilot, Captain (Retd) Ehsan Khalid, described the software issue with the Airbus A320 fleet as a performance problem with the Elevator and Aileron Computer 2 (ELAC 2).

Speaking to ANI on the Airbus A320 flight simulator on Saturday, Captain (retd) Ehsan Khalid said that the ELAC 2 system showed no fault warnings, and the plane began moving without the pilot's input.

He said, "There are two flight control computers in the control panel: ELAC 1 and ELAC 2. ELAC 2 is not performing well according to the new software. Its function is to correctly convert the pilot's inputs, control the movement of the surfaces, and monitor faults in the flight control system. If any fault is found, it alerts the pilot so they can fly the plane in accordance with ELAC 1."

"The problem here is that the ELAC 2 system shows no warning of faults and the plane starts movements without the pilot's input," the aviation expert added.

On Saturday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an airworthiness directive banning the use of multiple Airbus aircraft models following concerns about a safety risk posed by the company's software update.

The Airworthiness directive was applicable for multiple other models of Airbus aircraft, including A319-111, A319-112, A319-113, A319-114, A319-115, A319-131, A319-132, A319-133, A319-151N, A319-153N, A319- 171N, A319-173N, A320-211, A320-212, A320-214, A320-215, A320- 216, A320- 231, A320-232, A320-233, A320-251N, A320-252N, A320-253N, A320-271N, A320-272N, A320- 273N, A321-211, A321- 212, A321-213, A321-231, A321-232, A321-251N, A321-252N, A321- 253N, A321-251NX, A321-252NX, A321-253NX, A321-271N, A321- 272N, A321-271NX and A321-272NX.

The European multinational aerospace company Airbus flagged a potential solar radiation risk, cautioning that intense radiation could corrupt data critical to flight control systems. The company also warned that a significant number of A320 family aircraft currently in service may be affected. Hence, in its statement, Airbus stated that it has been working proactively with aviation authorities to implement the necessary software and hardware protections to ensure the fleet remains safe to operate.

Following this, IndiGo announced the completion of a mandatory Airbus system upgrade across its entire A320-family fleet, confirming that all 200 aircraft are now fully compliant with the latest safety requirements.

Air India Express also said it had completed safety checks on most of its fleet, with the remaining checks to be completed soon.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who flies frequently for work, this is terrifying. The fact that a critical system like ELAC 2 can fail silently is a major design flaw. Kudos to Captain Khalid for the clear explanation. Hope all airlines complete checks ASAP.
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Vikram M
Solar radiation affecting flight computers? Sounds like a sci-fi plot, but it's real. Airbus needs to be more transparent about these software updates. Our aviation authorities did the right thing by grounding them until fixed. Better safe than sorry.
R
Rohit P
I have a flight with IndiGo next week. Glad to hear they've upgraded their entire fleet. But what about other carriers? The article only mentions Air India Express is "completing soon". We need 100% compliance, not "soon". 😟
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Michael C
Respectfully, while the DGCA's action is good, this highlights a deeper issue of over-reliance on foreign aircraft manufacturers. When will we see a truly indigenous commercial aircraft program? We need our own tech sovereignty in aviation.
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Priya S
Thank God for experienced pilots like Captain Khalid and strict regulators. Imagine if this wasn't caught in a simulator! Makes you appreciate the training and checks that go into every flight. Feeling a bit more reassured now.

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