Lyman
When the computer computes "I do not compute", as it did on AF447 (due to UAS data), you should always have the underlying airmanship upon which to fall back on...
There are one or two clues early on that PNF was on the right track, despite the CRM issues, but this did not happen over Western Australia at midday with clear visibility and no CMB as with the A333 in QF72. PF troubles me, particularly as he was the "alert" pilot.
I will wait the final report, and more detailed CVR, before taking a final view on whether this crew could have recovered the situation once the death plunge began at FLT380. Intimacy with hand flying their aircraft was missing.
My experience of the ITCZ and CMBs was more en route to Southern Africa than to South America, but invariably overnight (particularly after the 747-200s were re-engined for non-stop).
Last edited by Welsh Wingman; 13th Aug 2011 at 00:34.