Originally Posted by
Loose rivets
I don't think it matters. The issue is, the need to train for the possibility because the MAX is utterly different in this respect. A piece of software has control of the most powerful flying control surface and no one was told.
Utterly different? Disagree. On the 737 NG, there is also a piece of software also has control of the most powerful flying control surface. That piece of software is called STS. In fact based on statements in the most recent draft FAA FSB report on the MAX, MCAS is a sub-functionalty of STS. (Bottom of page 8)
https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_d...ev17_draft.pdf
On the NG, it is possible for the STS to fail in a way that causes undesired intermittent runaway trim, just like it is possible for MCAS to fail in a way that causes undesired intermittent runaway trim. Clearly, due to the reliance on a single unchecked AOA value, the demonstrated failure rate has been orders of magnitude greater on the MAX. But the scenario of intermittent runaway trim is still possible on NG.