Originally Posted by
Uplinker
If an aircraft like this B737 can go from normal flight on automatics to loss of control if an engine suddenly fails, unless PF takes immediate action on the rudder pedals and ailerons, then is it a truly stable aircraft?
Any conventional aircraft will do just the same. Remember the light twin from the multi engine training? Try flying that without rudder and ailerons with an engine out.
Originally Posted by
Uplinker
And is it realistic for the B737 PF to keep their hands and feet on the controls at all times, including during the cruise, just in case an engine fails and the A/P drops out?
It is not and it is not even required. At higher speed, the engine failure with regards to controllability isn't a problem, as significant margin to Vmca exists. Asymmetric thrust can be easily recognised by progressively increasing deflection of the control column towards the live engine, and the autopilot will put in quite a lot of force/deflection before it gives up.
I have to say the Airbus FBW is excellent but the B737 automatics are more primitive and have to be watched carefully.
I've got experience of both and both need to be watched like a hawk. The only difference is that with one you can rest your hands gently on the control column and thrust levers and look out the window, and with the other one you need to have your eyes glued to the FMA and N1/EPR to see if something untoward is going on.