@Nigel on Draft
Quote: Is their no backup system available in the event of pitot tube failure?
Well, yes there is. The other 2 pitot tubes. Trouble is when there is a common problem affecting mroe than 1.
So that means that there is no effective backup system, correct?
Quote:
This situation began because the AP disconnected, and the situation degraded because the pilots did not understand what was going on.
The AP disconnected precisely because 'that automated systems should be designed as an adjunct to a pilots flying skill and training' occurred - the AP was not able to determine what was happening to a sufficient degree - the system designers / regulators decided that was a point to hand it back to the crew.
That was my point, there are obviously major faults in the system design.
Now as you say 'and the situation degraded because the pilots did not understand what was going on' and that is an issue for training / skill / practice.
Of course it is! But how effective was the training / skill / practice in this case?
Please do me a favour and tell me who you are and which airline you fly for, because I do not want to be on any flight under your control.