Thanks. HN39 and PJ2,
Hope this discussion I started about the possible use of pitch versus FPA as a poor-man's AoA indication hasn't been too much of a red herring. As CONF iture points out, it's probably inapplicable to AF447, but may even have been useful to someone – who knows?
In mind of what BOAC says, if we were going to use AoA in a jet upset, we would need a pure feed from an AoA probe, preferably independent of the AD computer; with a clear presentation – probably on an autonomous display. I am inferring that none of us is convinced its provision, and the extra training required, would be worthwhile.
Specifically, re AF447, I agree particularly with PJ2's last paragraph (today, 1315z), and CONF iture's remarks make sense.
Bergerie1,
Once was enough for me. Never thought I'd see an indication below 95 kts on my ASI (in flight) on a VC10. Forgot they had to mount a special vane, as the clever AoA probes (not vanes) on the aeroplane were themselves subject to the test. Presumably, they soldier on in the RAF.