Flybe AP has a 'Plummet' Mode?

[pilotmike]

Originally Posted by fenland787

... I don't recall being able to set 'Plummet' mode?

Originally Posted by fenland787

(Edit - looks like the Beeb have decided 'drops' might be better than the original 'plummet' - they could be right but descends could be even better?)

Plummet would seem to be a very apt description here, given the evidence - very high RoD so close to the ground.

As for the rhetorical, indeed somewhat mocking question of whether the subject aircraft has a 'plummet mode': it would appear the answer is a resounding "YES". The questionable SOPs combined with the autopilot being able to be engaged with the FD bar 'on the ground', and the pilot choosing to engage autopilot with such obviously wrong FD command and failing to check the set altitude made this a very definite 'Plummet' mode.

The ability to engage the AP in this situation is of equal concern as the pilot's choosing to do so and then to fail to check it was doing what was expected. However the OP refers to their experience at Everett., implying experience of Boeing AP behaviour. Certainly the 737 AP will only engage if: a), the attitude is very close to the FD command, and b) there is negligible trim force on the column. Unless BOTH criteria are met, the AP will refuse to engage. It would appear that the design of the subject AP is not ideal, conspiring as it does with a pilot who fails to notice the daft FD command ,to spear the aircraft into the ground unless it is caught very quickly. Quite worrying.