Originally Posted by
OK465
Since the FD pushbuttons were not selected OFF, each time valid ADR data was recovered, the FD's would have reappeared...
Are you sure about that?
I'm not familiar enough with the FCS mode switching logic on the A330, but I would have expected the FD ENGAGED state to disappear (unlatch) on the occurrence of an ADR F/W - same as the AP 'dropping out' - and a 'new' push on the FD pushbuttton(s) to be required to re-engage the FD(s) and return the FD bars into view. *)
Also, since it appears not to be advisable to re-engage the
AP too soon, I would have thought the same would have applied to the
FD.... after all, AP and FD are mostly the same system, with the pilot in the 'control loop' in the case of the FD.
*) In "my" days, AP, FD, etc., were engaged by means of magnetically held levers, which indeed literally
dropped in case of a fault (with a loud 'clack' added to the symphony orchestra from the CWS). So a positive action was required to re-engage them.