Abstract: A pedal cartridge for an aircraft. The pedal cartridge is connectable to a pedal mechanism and includes: a pedal. The pedal includes a pedal axle receiving portion configured to receive a pedal axle of the pedal mechanism such that the pedal is rotatably connectable to the pedal axle. The mechanism also includes a first rotation sensor component, the first rotation sensor component configured to interact with a second rotation sensor component of the pedal mechanism to permit rotation of the pedal about the pedal axle to be detected.

Abstract: A brake rod for a steering/braking mechanism includes a rod body having a longitudinal axis, a rod end at a first end of the rod body, the rod end having a bore therethrough having a bore axis arranged generally perpendicular to the rod longitudinal axis, and a rod end shield mounted to the rod and extending in a longitudinal direction axially beyond the rod end.

Abstract: A positioning and position maintaining device comprises a solenoid having an armature and an electromagnetic holder. The solenoid is arranged to effect positioning of an object upon translation of the armature and the electromagnetic holder is arranged to effect position maintaining in order to maintain the object in the position effected by the solenoid. An apparatus for aircraft autopilot and manual control feel-force control switching comprises an autopilot mechanism and the positioning and position maintaining device. The positioning and position maintaining device is arranged to engage the autopilot mechanism and maintain the engagement thereof. A method of switching between autopilot and manual control in an aircraft is also envisaged.

Abstract: A brake rod for a steering/braking mechanism includes a rod body having a longitudinal axis, a rod end at a first end of the rod body, the rod end having a bore therethrough having a bore axis arranged generally perpendicular to the rod longitudinal axis, and a rod end shield mounted to the rod and extending in a longitudinal direction axially beyond the rod end.

Abstract: A positioning and position maintaining device comprises a solenoid having an armature and an electromagnetic holder. The solenoid is arranged to effect positioning of an object upon translation of the armature and the electromagnetic holder is arranged to effect position maintaining in order to maintain the object in the position effected by the solenoid. An apparatus for aircraft autopilot and manual control feel-force control switching comprises an autopilot mechanism and the positioning and position maintaining device. The positioning and position maintaining device is arranged to engage the autopilot mechanism and maintain the engagement thereof. A method of switching between autopilot and manual control in an aircraft is also envisaged.