The A330 MRTT normal law characteristics in pitch mean that any forwards or backwards movement of the pilots’ side sticks causes the aircraft to respond with a G-Load or Pitch rate depending on the airspeed.
When the Pilot makes pitch inputs the aircraft responds in a way that is “naturally” expected, that is:
- At Low Speed = Pitch Rate
- At High Speed = G-Load
When the sidestick is in the neutral position:
- The aircraft maintains the current flight path, regardless of speed changes
- The aircraft generally compensates for pitching moment effects during configuration changes (such as flaps moving) or thrust variations, although the Pilot Flying may need to make small adjustments
- The aircraft tends to regain a steady condition in turbulence, although small deviations from the flight path can occur