Originally Posted by
dingy737
Thanks. Therefore and for argument sake, if these incidents were in fact “runaway stabilizers” we could expect the same tragic result. MCAS should have been interpreted as a “ RUNAWAY STAB. “ for which pilots are repeatedly drilled in the simulator.
MCAS: parameters for operation.
1. Autopilot OFF
2. Steep Bank/ Turn. ( what angle ?)
3. Flaps retracted.
4. High AOA
If the above 4 are correct, how many of those parameters were NOT met in Ethiopia. Nevertheless, prolonged trimming with the AP off instinctively requires stab switches OFF. I believe with the flaps NOT retracted, the Trim rate is increased as compared to flaps retracted. A runaway trim with flaps extended will very quickly overpower the pilot, the time frame allowed to identify and react appropriately, by selecting both switches OFF is extremely short if this occurs just after lift off. Once the pilot starts fighting the Yoke with both hands I suspect his mind will become focused on the physical deminishing the ability to keep thinking.
While MCAS was required to address column force characteristics in a turning flaps up stall maneuver, its logic does not include any consideration of bank angle or any other detection of turning conditions.