OPERATIONS (O)
1. For GPWS systems that receive data from only one radio altimeter, see MMEL Item 34-26 for GPWS inoperative limitations if the number 1 radio altimeter is inoperative.
2. Insure that weather minimums or operating procedures are not dependent upon its use.
3. With radio altimeter(s) inoperative, do not use the associated autopilot or autothrottle for approach and landing
This is what the MEL says.Even if this aircraft didnt have an open RA defect that affected their dispatch,it had a history of unreliable indications,and so the MEL should have been consulted.The information would have been invaluable and reminded the Captain of the precautions for continuing an approach without RA#1...ie.use manual thrust,AP B or manual,GPWS modes rely solely on RA#1 data if no software update(no "glideslope" warning as RA#1 must be between 30' and 1000' for mode 5 to be active)
Consulting the MEL is an art in itself.If you can find the relevant item within 45 seconds,you're pretty good.M and O sections must be read and
understood by all crew members.
I hope they dont go after Boeing on this one.Boeing shouldnt really have to release a statement reminding crews of the importance of monitoring their flight instruments.The culprits here are those airline training departments that place emphasis on autoflight of their aircraft and neglect basic stick and rudder skills.The same airlines that confuse CRM with democracy.The same airlines that teach a nauseating preoccupation with SOP at the expense of airmanship and common sense.