To systematically review the research progress and current status of fault analysis in civil aircraft flight control systems, both domestically and internationally, this review study was carried out. The study focused on identifying typical fault types of flight control systems through analysing QAR data. Firstly, the process of QAR data preprocessing and feature extraction was summarized. Secondly, based on the performance metrics achievable by fault analysis, four stages of fault research were proposed, including fault monitoring, fault identification, fault diagnosis, and fault prediction. Finally, by combining the progress and depth of domestic and international research, typical fault types of flight control systems were identified, including rudder hydraulic leakage, inconsistent elevator indications, and flap actuation delays. Commonly used QAR data items for modeling include aircraft primary control surface positions, flight attitudes, aircraft performance, left and right flap angles, and flap positions. Calculation methods encompass physical models, multivariate statistics, logical reasoning, and machine learning. The results show that through a systematic analysis of the latest research progress in subsystems such as rudder, elevator, and flaps, it is found that certain achievements have been made in fault types, parameter selection, and the improvement of calculation methods. However, the fault research stage is primarily focused on fault diagnosis or non-real-time prediction. Further emphasis is required on addressing safety assurance and practical maintenance needs to achieve real-time fault prediction technology.
