Both Dekker's and the OVV's reports lean towards the crew not being fully aware of the actual mode of the Autothrottle yet there is no recommendation to fix this problem. Having two modes with same name is not the brightest of ideas. Given the data in the report I would have recommended a Rad Alt comparator (for all aircraft), documentation revisions to describe Autothrottle functionality during the flare and lastly renaming the RETARD mode of the Autothrottle. Rename RETARD (descent) to IDLE. Or even be really ridiculous and rename the RETARD (flare) to BANANAS. Yes, something stupid in flight!
Until we replace the Mk I human being we will continue having to train crews to operate imperfect systems in an imperfect world. Systems have to be designed that help (or warn) them when they make human errors, omissions or try to just plain cheat the system.
PM