A quick question for the technical chaps...
I remember that she had 3 channels of signalling for the flight controls - 2 electrical ( 1 main and 1 standby ) with the third being mechanical. How was the mechanical system 'de-coupled' from the electrical channels thus that any movement from the control column was 'ignored' by this channel ? Was it by somehow disabling the hydraulic jack that ultimately connected to the flying control units ? Was this mechanical channel ever used during service ?
Regards,
d