Svarin;
Please confirm this means the AP cannot be put back in operation.
Surely, this is not the same as AP disconnect at the time of failure, or is it ?
I have found Airbus to be very careful in using such terms and take them at their word. The word "LOST" means that the autopilot cannot be re-connected until the conditions which caused it to be "lost to use" no longer exist. Your assumption is therefore correct: This is not just an autopilot disconnect.
The reason for this is, the autopilot no longer has a normal airframe or normal systems' operation. If we examine the conditions which cause the loss of the AP, we can see why.
lomapaseo;
Somewhere the FCOM etc. needs to be standardized in this respect so at least we know after the fact what side of the judgement curve (man or machine) needs to be looked at.
Failing the original opportunity to fulfill this philosophical need, ostensibly because the power and promise of "automation" was intoxicating to so many, what is now to be a re-examination has been a long time coming. In my view both hubris (not on the part of the manufacturer) and said intoxication with technology, (not entirely on the part of the manufacturer), without ever asking the question, "just because we can, should we?...", have played significant roles in the development and complexity of autoflight over the years.
That said, it works extremely well and is a significant advancement in flight safety, notwithstanding the present issues being discussed.