Originally Posted by
meleagertoo
You must know by now that MCAS didn't (couldn't) start it's tricks until flap was retracted...er...don't you?
Always worth remembering that the MCAS functionality is a new, non-DAL A software routine, programmed into the FCC as an unmonitored open-loop system. Its function has already been drawn into doubt, as has its certification, safety analysis and technical documentation. Again, MCAS is a virtual system only - the FCC is the actual system that has control of the stab.
It is supremely unwise to state definitively as to what the FCC can or cannot do beyond stating that this software routine has full authority of the most powerful flight control installed on the aircraft.
It is also of note that the FCC commanded the stab aircraft nose down 3 times with the flaps still set.