CONF, another point I would make is that back sidestick does not always result in increased pitch attitude. Agree????
Agree !
But if your partner pull on his control column and pitch attitude does not increase, at least you are aware he did pull.
With a sidestick you are not aware of anything ...
Maybe he pulled ?
Maybe he did not ?
So I'm not blaming FBW in this case
I'm blaming sidestick philosophy versus control columns
- which are
coupled
- which are
well in sight
These two characteristics are so rich in information for two pilots who share the same flightdeck.
Standard Operation Procedures request pilots to share information, any one.
- If you select Engine Anti Ice ON, you are supposed to let your partner know.
- If he switches TCAS selector from ABOVE to BELOW, he will let you know as well.
Why should it be any different with flight controls ?
In normal operation it's not a big deal
But when it's getting touchy, at low speed, and at very low altitude ...
when flight controls displacements are big
and reaction time to judge the situation at its minimum ... !?
Of course you will not loudly verbalize to the other crew member what your actions are on your sidestick ...
But that's where the MAGIC of coupled control columns is (FBW or not)
THEY TELL YOU THE REAL STORY IN LIVE ON THE OTHER GUY INTENTIONS
So you are in the game, not on the side !
Regarding the summed control inputs issue:
They make a lot of sense for coupled control columns
They have no meaning for sidesticks
... that's MY view
The Airbus flightdeck I know is VERY comfortable
too bad they did not install in the garderobe a couple of removable control columns we would plug back in place for takeoff and landing
... and even better if it was in direct law !