Definitely time to dig this one up again and hopefully bring the esoteric (and off-topic) discussions on the Tripoli thread across.
What has triggered this 'revival'? The comments on the BA 056 report (kindly linked by 'sooperfrank')
4.2.3 The apparent increase in the number of software related incidents involving various type certificated aircraft is becoming a cause of concern.
There is also a common thread through many recent accidents and it is time to
train for a new type of emergency that addresses the failure modes in highly
automated aircraft. The interface between pilots and aircraft automation, as well as how this should be incorporated into aviation training, requires a review. This includes addressing how automation fails, how pilots should cope with it and how to get through the failures. New phrases for automation failures that were similar to "dead foot, dead engine" slogans that helped them identify which engine had quit are now needed.
It is therefore recommended that:
The Regulatory and certificating authorities of all States of Design and
States of Manufacture should introduce requirements to:
• Review all software control and hardware control logics and
combinations thereof to ensure that all probable defect possibilities
are identified;
• Review the processes used to introduce modifications to control
software since issuance of the original type certification, e.g. consider
a recertification process; and
• Verify that appropriate resolutions for such occurrences have been
developed and are in place to prevent un-commanded actions that
can result in an accident.
• Improve the robustness of the software/hardware logic through the
introduction of additional parameters to consider prior to an automatic
change is critical control surfaces.
• Introduction of a flight deck crew “alert/approval/override” facility prior
to an inadvertent change to critical control surfaces.
• Account for spurious mechanical and electrical failures and their
impact on the software and hardware logic system.
• Operators should provide flight crews with more basic hand flying and
simulator flight training on new generation aircraft to address the
technological developments in aviation, inclusive of effective stall
training.
How about that? On topic or what?