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Rebuttal to Vanity Fair Story on AF447 Accident
Patrick Smith at "Ask the Pilot" takes on William Langewiesche's characterizations of pilots and cockpit automation. (www.askthepilot.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
Sorry to say Patrick but William is also an ATP, and being the son of the author of Stick and Rudder I'm going to say he is just as or more knowledgeable than you on the subject. His article was spot-on and it was a great read.
Patrick is an ATP but seems to have looked only after his own nest in recent years. He has pretty much decided to stay as long term FO for his current airline rather than take full responsibility as a captain; at least that was his say in his last article. You can sit back and bitch more from that position.
Had the same thing happen at 410 in a BE-400, iced up pitots, lost the FDC and A/P, A/S, etc, in turbulence near TRWs. One thing the Beech had was AOA, and it made the descent a relatively calm event till the ice melted off and everything returned to normal. IMO all transport aircraft (>12,500 lbs.) should have AOAs, not offered as an option. Part of the fun sim work was flying AOA and power settings.
All commercial jets have AOA's, just usually no read-out for them, only the stall warning, sink rate, etc...
Seems to me this Airbus had the AOA as they are pretty much standard anymore, but that because the panel was going blooey, he either didn't trust it or didn't use it. I personally think all the bells and whistles just overwhelmed them.
And about those old steam gauges they don't have any more. Just an old ex pilot talking here as never flown glass before or yet I guess. Too many things going on for me.
Well, the glass is nice but going from steam to glass, out of a 707 to a 757 took more than a SIM to get used to. That first actual flight was a real trip, for me and FO.
I found the article in VF and the many comments I have read very interesting. I believe there is validity in both.
For me, the best thing about the article is it has created a discussion both pro and con concerning the items stated in the VF piece. Discussion is good, it creates awareness and by stating thoughts, facts, and opinions we have to articulate both verbally and in writing our thoughts.
This discussion, when done both emotionally and logically helps to affirm or question our beliefs. Reply comments (discussion) may pose both pro and con statements.
The civility within the comments on this page is very nice. Respectful and an implied agreement to disagree at times, seemingly without ad hominen attacks. Very rare on any blog and very impressive..
This says much about the commentators.
In all, I believe the author of the VF article has done anyone associated with Aviation a service. By association I refer to pilots, aeronautical engineers, passengers and the curious, etc... By service I refer to discussion.
Thank you