Originally Posted by
YYZjim
We all know about the negative effect of a strong cockpit gradient.
Could a plane-to-pilot gradient be a factor in Indonesia and Ethiopia? American pilots would have no trouble treating a persistent intermittent auto-trim as a "runaway". Foreign-speaking pilots might be more respectful of a sophisticated American airplane, and more wary about breaching the conditions for a NNC.
I would add to that the newness factor. A 20-30 year old aircraft might be expected to have some gremlins. A 6 month old one should not have, unless you treat all devices with skepticism. The trust-your-instruments not your gut perception, might add to the confusion and cockpit gradient.