TechnologyAugust 19, 2026
backdriven
BACK-dri-vuhn
Definition
Refers to flight control mechanisms, such as throttles or yokes, that physically move in response to the autopilot's actions or the other pilot's manual inputs.
Etymology
Derived from the English 'back' and 'driven,' the term originated in engineering to describe a system where the output mechanism is forced to move by the input or secondary force, rather than the primary motor.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the feature in Boeing aircraft where flight controls physically mimic pilot or automation inputs, noting that Airbus designers intentionally chose to exclude this feature in their cockpit design philosophy.
Here's What Pilots Notice First When Switching Between The Airbus A350 & Boeing 787 Cockpits
Read the full article ↗Simple Flying