At ~full up deflection (THS) any down elevator would produce additional drag, as the elevators would trap airstream, ala Flap? This would also produce ND, but not due lift. As airstream became more LE on, the drag would dramatically change to lift, and the a/c would almost PitchPole over the nose. This obviously did not happen, and who says the PF input ND elevator? Both directions of elevator deflection would produce attitude change in the proper direction, but only to a slight and ineffective degree, yes? Doesn't this 'school' the crew (erroneously) into doing the wrong thing? Perhaps irrelevant; at this point, there is no correct solution? Could they conceivably have been waiting for lower thicker air to regain Tailplane "Authority" Holding Backstick and patiently waiting for it to dig in?
This comes back to CG? With an aft loaded cruise (trim tank), what would the THS aspect be at cruise?
Last edited by bearfoil; 8th Jul 2011 at 23:44.