What is a significant feature of fly-by-wire systems?

A significant feature of fly-by-wire systems is the reduction of pilot workload through automation. This technology employs electronic systems to control aircraft flight control surfaces instead of traditional mechanical linkages. By using fly-by-wire, systems can automatically stabilize the aircraft, provide filtering of pilot inputs, and even execute specific maneuvers, which enhances safety and efficiency. This means pilots can focus more on overall flight management and decision-making instead of manually controlling every aspect of the flight.

The design of fly-by-wire systems allows for various levels of automation which help in reducing physically demanding tasks, especially during complicated phases of flight such as takeoff, landing, or encountering turbulence. Moreover, the systems can adapt to various flight scenarios and make real-time adjustments without the pilot needing to intervene directly, thus streamlining overall operations.

Other options present features or concepts that do not align with the benefits or characteristics of fly-by-wire technology. For instance, increased weight penalties and complete reliance on mechanical linkages typically refer to traditional aircraft control systems, which fly-by-wire effectively seeks to improve upon. Direct manual control of all flight surfaces contradicts the very essence of fly-by-wire, which emphasizes automation and electronic control rather than manual inputs.