Originally Posted by
Check Airman
This represents the biggest design flaw of this airplane in my opinion. Not sure why the regulators allowed this to be certified, and (especially after AF447) continue to let it go unchecked.
Yes.
From the AAIB, in a rare moment of clarity (
https://assets.publishing.service.go...JZ_12-08.pdf):
Simulator assessment
The AAIB investigator carried out an assessment exercise in a full flight A320 simulator taking the role of a ‘trainee’ pilot, together with an experienced A320 Type Rating Examiner (Aircraft) (TRE(A)). The TRE(A) was current in both line and base training of pilots of all levels of experience. Having briefed the TRE(A) that he should act as he would during normal operations, the ‘trainee’ flew normal approaches and landings, interspersed with approaches and landings during which deliberate handling errors were made. No prior warning was given to the TRE (A) of these errors. In the first of these ‘unusual’ approaches, a manual approach was flown with autothrust, but the ‘trainee’ ceased to make sidestick inputs at 50 ft RA. The TRE(A) was unable to intervene in time and the aircraft struck the runway without a flare. In other ‘unusual’ approaches, the TRE(A) was again unable to intervene, or intervened too late, to prevent a hard landing.
and
In a fly-by-wire aircraft fitted with sidesticks, the instructor also monitors the approach by assessing the aircraft’s performance, but does not have an option of sensing control inputs made by the trainee. By the time it is apparent that no flare, or an incorrect flare, has been made, it may be too late for the instructor to intervene and the aircraft to respond before a possible heavy touchdown occurs
and some proper HF from them:
The priority takeover pushbutton is mounted on the top of each sidestick. Whilst control of the aircraft through manipulation of the sidestick is highly instinctive, operation of the priority takeover button is a highly cognitive action.
That sidestick has blood on its hands... What a shame manufacturer B has sunk to similar depths and no longer provides a credible alternative.