Originally Posted by
Sailvi767
Why would they not simply disconnect the trim or just grab the trim wheels? Both those fixes assume the system that automatically shuts down a runaway trim if the control column moves opposite the trim direction has failed. A runaway trim at cruise altitude should be a non event.
They could and they would. Probably not runaway trim, imo. A more plausible scenario for trim related loss of control at altitude is a gradual failure of a system that causes the autopilot to trim unremarkably, like a gradual fuel imbalance, rollback, or something else. The AP will trim to the limit of its authority and then kick off, handing you a plane that is well out of trim. This really should be manageable at 29,000’ but can be tricky the closer you get to 41,000’.
We can’t rule out a catastrophic event at cruise yet, bomb or otherwise.