Originally Posted by sensor_validation
The comment in the BEA statement which was translated into English as "the Captain attended the briefing between the two co-pilots" - maybe trying to read too much into the wording - would expect the Captain to lead the briefing? As JD-EE pointed out above maybe this statement just confirms there was a formal handover as required, nothing more.
Right. In this context, "assister" only means that he was present during the briefing. He could have either contributed to it or remained totally passive, it doesn't tell it.
You guys are again focusing on press "leaks" which doesn't look more "informed" than all the previous ones. The statement that FO2 (Pierre-Cédric Bonin) was the PF is clearly doubtful.