c46r
Quote “Where does AF 447 fit into this????????????"
AF447 was in Alternate Law flight mode. This turns off the rudder limiter and allows the pilot full rudder deflection (~+/-30d) even if travelling at cruise speed. Normally the rudder is limited to about 4d of travel at cruise.
It takes only about a half inch of pedal movement to get the full 4d deflection and there is nothing to stop the pedal from traveling to the floor nor stop the rudder from deflecting the full 30d if the limiter is turned off.
It would be very easy for the pilot to overcorrect for an aircraft upset due to turbulence and or a stall and exceed the maximum design load on the VS with the limiter turned off.
Last edited by Zymurgist; 8th Aug 2010 at 05:37.
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