What Is Fly-By-Wire and Which Aircraft Use It?
Fly-by-wire replaced steel cables with computers. Here's how it works, when Airbus and Boeing adopted it, and what it means for passenger comfort.
FlightyFlow Team·· 6 min read
In one sentence
Fly-by-wire (FBW) is a flight control system where pilot inputs are translated by computers into commands to actuators that move the control surfaces — replacing direct mechanical or hydraulic linkages.
Why it matters
- Lighter aircraft (no cables, fewer pulleys).
- Built-in protections (envelope, stall, overspeed).
- Smoother control responses; consistent feel across types.
- Easier cross-fleet pilot transitions.
Who flies FBW
- Airbus: A320 family (1988), A330/340, A350, A380.
- Boeing: 777 (1995), 787, 747-8, 737 MAX (limited).
- Embraer: E-Jet E2.
- Bombardier: A220 (originally CSeries).
What it changes for passengers
You're unlikely to notice on a smooth flight. In turbulence, FBW protections often produce subtler control inputs than a fully manual aircraft would, contributing to a calmer ride.
Frequently asked
Are all modern airliners fly-by-wire?+
Almost all clean-sheet designs since the 1990s are. The A320 family (1988) was the first widely produced FBW airliner.
#fly-by-wire#Airbus#Boeing#aviation
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