Originally Posted by OldCarthusian
Instruments are more reliable than human perceptions .
This statement is correct, but it means absolutely nothing in the context of this discussion. The original problem with AF447, as far as we know, was UAS.
Unreliable Air Speed. That is an instrumentation/indication anomaly. An incorrect instrument. In this case, the less reliable human was forced to deal with a computerized system unable to function as designed. In my opinion, the human is the only intelligent link in the chain, but the only link influenced by perceptions. The instruments and computers are not influenced by perceptions, but they are also unable to function in the absence of proper data.
Overall, I think your statement indicates an lack of awareness of the situation the pilots faced. In the interest of preventing further UAS instigated deaths, why don't we focus on the reasons the human perceptions were incorrect? In fact, they were operating/flying a machine that uses computed info for both flight indications and flight control. We HAVE to focus on the human to machine interface instead of defending the machine at all costs. Anything less is a disservice to the dead.