What is the primary risk of relying on incorrect ADS data for automated systems?

• A. Improved autopilot performance
• B. Increased battery life
• C. Unsafe flight conditions due to erroneous data
• D. Faster departure times

Answer: (C)

Relying on incorrect air data from the Air Data System means automated systems are making decisions based on wrong speed, altitude, and vertical speed inputs. Autopilot, autothrottle, and flight control laws depend on accurate air data to regulate the aircraft’s flight path safely; when that data are erroneous, the system can command inappropriate pitch, thrust, or altitude changes. That can lead to unsafe flight conditions such as stall, overspeed, or loss of altitude control. The other options don’t fit because incorrect air data doesn’t improve autopilot performance, nor does it inherently extend battery life or guarantee faster departures.