Neptunus Rex;
On seeing the UAS prompt, the SOP is to set the pitch attitude to 5 degrees nose up, then consult the QRH for the appropriate pitch and N1 settings for weight and Flight Level.
We'll soon know more about the pitch-up. I don't think a ND pitch attitude is plausible but given the loss of data there may be a possibility of a small indicated height loss to which the PF may have then responded - we just don't know yet.
However, I don't think any pitch-up is indicated in the memorized items under these conditions, (level cruise flight, aircraft not at risk). Loss of airspeed information is not an emergency nor is the safe conduct of flight impacted so one would go to the next main memory item, "Level off for troubleshooting". As I have said from the start, the first response is to "do nothing" (except ensure the aircraft is under control, then get the QRH out, then communicate with ATC/FA's etc), because both speed and thrust were fine just before the event and, within controllable variations (using attitude information and setting thrust to what it was before the AT disconnected),
From the First BEA Interim Report:
From an A330 flight crew training manual, (2007):
Because the displayed information may be erroneous, the flying accuracy cannot be assumed. Incorrect transponder altitude reporting could cause confusion. Therefore, a MAYDAY should be declared to advise ATC and other aircraft of the situation.
PART 1: MEMORY ITEMS
If the safe conduct of the flight is affected, the flight crew applies the memory items. They allow "safe flight conditions" to be rapidly established in all flight phases (takeoff, climb, cruise) and aircraft configurations (weight and slats/flaps).The memory items apply more particularly when a failure appears just after takeoff. Once the target pitch attitude and thrust values have been stabilized, as soon as above safe altitude, the flight crew will enter the 2nd part of the QRH procedure, to level off the aircraft and perform trouble shooting. This should not be delayed, since using the memory item parameters for a prolonged period may lead to speed limit exceedance.
PART 2: TROUBLE SHOOTING AND ISOLATION
GENERAL
If the wrong speed or altitude information does not affect the safe conduct of the flight, the crew will not apply the memory items, and will directly enter the part2 of the QRH procedure.
Depending of the cause of the failure, the altitude indication may also be unreliable. There are however, a number of correct indications available to the crew. GPS altitude and ground speed are available on MCDU GPS monitor page and RA may be used at low level.
For faulty ADR(s) identification, the flight crew may, either level off and stabilize the flight using the dedicated table in PART 2, or, if for instance already stabilized in climb, use the CLIMB table given in part 3. The trouble shooting will be more accurate, using the level off table.
LEVEL OFF AND STABILIZATION (IF REQUIRED)
The table gives the proper pitch and thrust values for stabilization in level off according to weight, configuration and altitude.
It must be noticed that, if the altitude information is unreliable, FPV and V/S are also affected. In this case, the GPS altitude, if available, is the only means to confirm when the aircraft is maintaining a level. When reliable, the FPV should be used.
If the memory items have been maintained for a significant period of time, the current speed may be quite above the target
If FPV is reliable, or if GPS altitude information is available:
--Maintain level flight (FPV on the horizon or constant GPS altitude)
--Adjust thrust according to the table
--Observe the resulting pitch attitude, and compare it with the recommended table pitch target.
• If the aircraft pitch to maintain level flight is above the table pitch target, the aircraft is slow, then increase thrust
• If the aircraft pitch to maintain level flight is below the table pitch target, the aircraft is fast, then decrease thrust
When the pitch required to maintain level off gets close to the table pitch target, re-adjust thrust according to table thrust target.
This technique permits to stabilize the speed quickly, without inducing altitude changes. If FPV is not reliable and GPS altitude information is not available (no means to ensure level flight):
Adjust pitch and thrust according to table, and wait for speed stabilization. Expect a significant stabilization time and important altitude variations.