golfyankeesierra;
Thanks for adding some thoughts; concur on "gain" and lines in the ITCZ - mentioned "black spots" but not well so thanks for making the point clearer.
I think it's crucial for non-aircrews who are genuinely interested to know a bit about how this work is done so that more intelligent and helpful questions can be put. Perhaps the thread may return to an enquiring stance which values curiosity over the ego being expressed in individual pet theories and ill-considered speculations at this stage of affairs about what happened.
BOAC
"Have there been any statements yet from AF about MEL items on the a/c" - excellent question - was wondering too.
The way of all threads......yup, (heavy sigh) but the mod's doing great work, I see...