Originally Posted by
fred81
Not necessarily. If it was demonstrated during test flights that with the original MCAS longitudinal stability criteria (i.e. required stick force) were not met, that would have been all the pilots knew at that time.
The subsequent authority increase to 2.5 degrees could have been kept from the test pilots. They would just demonstrate that the revised MCAS now meets the FAA requirements.
When I/we have had issues to deal with (just in maintenance) I/we always inform the pilot/s prior to the flight what we have changed and what we expect they should expect. We expect them to give us feed back after the flight.
I find it impossible to believe the test pilots would carry out a "test flight", without being told of the changes made and what they should expect.
That said I will not be surprised if comment turns out to be correct.