The FlyByWire control implemented on Airbus aircraft series A320, A330 and A340 differs in many ways from conventional aircraft control such as that found on Boeing B737, B747 and even on the latest B777. None of the aircraft that come with Microsoft Flightsimulator are protected against Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT) or have a modern Flight Envelope Protection, as implemented on the latest Airbus aircraft.

In conventional aircraft, the movement of the yoke is transformed into a linear, direct proportional deflection of the rudders and control surfaces. This is irrespective of whether the input is then transmitted via electric cables and subsequently enhanced by additional hydraulic systems.

The maximum movement of the yoke will result in the maximum deflection of the control surfaces, and accordingly, they will revert back to neutral position if the yoke is moved back into the center position.

This is very different from the way it is implemented by the advanced FlyByWire mechanism of the modern Airbus aircraft:

By applying a command using the airbus sidestick the pilot does not command a deflection of the control surfaces but instead he ‘demands’ a change in the flight path trajectory. Based on this input the Airbus control computers then calculate and execute the deflection of the control surfaces required to achieve the ‘demanded’ change in flight path.   more...