Originally Posted by bearfoil
Did the RTL go fault due to lack of reliable IAS? Does the Rudder become functionally unavailable at lower speeds, then? Would that have any effect on recovery from roll, or Yaw in upset??
The Rudder was limited to 7.9 degrees sweep all the way to the Ocean, per BEA report. Is that a mechanical condition that may need to be addressed post 447?
At some point in the descent, would you have selected slats to release the Rudder?
Rhetorically, would Protections have limited any of the other controls?
You are answering your own question.
If slats are used, full rudder deflection become available (that's the way to go out of the limitation, on purpose, if it becomes inapropriate). In AF 447 case, everything points at an aircraft staying in a clean configuration until impact.
Do not ask me why as I don't know.