Some observations for confirmation of what people have already been saying here.
a. Some 737s have the door knob and rudder trim right next door to each other.
b. The knob has to be held over, until the door is opened. That can easily be 5 - 10 seconds - easily enough overpower the autopilot for an upset.
c. The presence of a flight attendant on the flight-deck would not assist. Rather it would be a further distraction, and the f/o chats her up.
d. Requiring flight attendants on the flight deck can be counter-productive. You then have to ask 'sir' before you can go to the toilet. And the reply will often be "piss off, I'm busy with the service" (low standards airline, low standards fight attendants).
e. Some f/os would not notice if the aircraft was flying upside down. Autopilot is engaged, so the attitude indicator must be lying. (See also the lack of flying skills in the AF 447 incident, or the Indian 737 upset.).
f. The 737 is an ergonomic disaster.
g. The hydraulic pumps are regularly turned off, instead of the ant-ice switches (why are ant-ice switches 'guarded' like the more important hydraulic switches?)
h. Every aircraft is different, with many switches in different positions. Bit of a pain, when you are expecting to feel one switch, and find something completely different. Then there are also differences between the classic and NG, to add further confusion.
i. The proposal that Boeing will keep the same flight deck for the next 30 years, is an aviation tragedy. In 30 years time, it will be like airlines using the Vickers Vimy today, in the 21st century. May Boeing be economically punished for their stupidity, with airlines turning away from the 737.
j. How can a commercial aircraft without a viable control split facility still be produced and flying in the 21st century?
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