Ok. If it was widely understood and accepted, as evidenced, that most pilots would choose to fly an approach in the L2 with only 3-axes engaged, as the AP struggled in 4-axes, I'm imagining that the 6 monthly training and checking would also have reflected that.
Leaving manually flown approaches aside, if it was standard practice to fly a coupled approach with only 3-axes engaged, knowing the risks associated with this, it must have become part of routine training to demonstrate the dangers and regularly check competency in this DEGRADED mode. What benefit would be gained from successfully completing a 4-axes approach in the sim if it did not match the reality of how the aircraft was operated?
Risk assessment + mitigation through SOP + training needs analysis + demonstration and practice + assessment = role competent pilot / crew.
To pinch a line from a colleague, "Why do good pilots make poor choices?" - generally, not knowingly.
Last edited by marcr; 19th Sep 2020 at 13:21.
Reason: Add emphasis.