AF 447 Thread no. 4

[Chris Scott]

PJ2,
Thanks for confirming that the THS-position indicator is visible from the P3 seat, as I expected. However, I should admit that, on entering the low-lit cockpit from the front vestibule (or galley?) area, there is a potential problem of adjustment to night vision. (I know that the vestibule lights probably dim automatically when the cockpit door is opened, but that only serves to protect the night vision of those already in the cockpit.)

Quote:
In my opinion one cannot adequately see or judge what movements on the stick are occurring. Most movements are tiny - a pitch-up such as this one might take a two, maybe three centimeter movement aft.

You are right, particularly in the case of pilots who prefer to hold the stick continuously in the palm of the hand, rather than making inputs and then releasing. With the roll problems the PF was experiencing, and the reversion to Roll-Direct law, he may well have been holding it in the palm of the hand. As I've previously commented, the low illumination of the side console at night would also make it very difficult to see the stick.

[EDIT] There is another slight possibility re cockpit illumination. Being in a remote area, and in the vicinity of thunderstorms, the crew might have elected to put the dome light on. This would not be my choice, but I've seen it done. It floods the whole cockpit with light.