Machinbird
We will have to categorize the AF447 crew as having evolved into the new generation of automation dependent pilots, no matter what their original background was.
When things went ugly that night, their adrenaline meters pegged, and their ability to rationally analyze the situation departed. They didn't know where to go to find a handle on their situation. They didn't even have a clue where to start looking.
When you do not have an ability to scan and then rationally analyze what you are seeing, you had better have a stone simple tool to lead you out of the mess you are in or else you are lost. Perhaps the HUD is that tool. Not ever having had the use of one, I really can't offer a recommendation.
Interestingly, this problem has been foreseen but largely disregarded. If you read
https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=h...ises.pdf&pli=1
on automation surprises - you will see echoes of comments here and of the progress of the AFR447 incident. The research was done prior to the AFR447 incident - but as is the case with a lot of human factors research it was not fully believed.
