Originally Posted by
GroundedDinosaur
If Boeing's 737-MAX has a column control force issue, in a close to stall situation to abide by FAR's. Why did they did they take the scenic path to move the Stabilizer to fix it? Why didn't they just modify the Elevator Feel computer system to load up the control column correctly? That would be the most direct fix, and you wouldn't deal with a trim runaway issue if an AOA fails, just more force to deal with on the column suddenly. Pilots would notice the issue quickly, and instinctively fly the plane. You can control the force applied so as to not over power the pilots ability to fly the plane. You wouldn't have the danger of the plane getting far out of trim. That seems to me, to be the simple, direct, and safer fix. What am I missing?
AFAIK the B737 elevator feel computer is a hydraulic mechanism, not an electronic system. Reverse engineering it would create many more certification obstacles than it would solve. It would also be like adding FBW to an aircraft never designed for it. Oh wait, haven't we been down this road before...
Edit: See:
B737 Elevator Feel Shift Module