Not exactly. "Skill" and "ability to cope with a crisis situation" are two very different traits.
Exactly ...
Chief pilot say:
"This was pilots with maximum skill in the AF447"
But he will (nor AF) never admit that the "ability to cope" with the AF447 was not present
AF maybe train their pilots to have "maximum skill" but seem's they are not trained (or selected) to gain "ability to cope"
Maybe AF count on the 'luck factor" ?
Unfortunately luck is not always there when you need it in
Luck is something that deserves
Amundsen
Victory awaits him,who as everythings in order.
Luck we call it.
Defeats is definitely due for him,who has neglected to take the necessary precautions.
Bad luck we call it.
Three pilots who have no luck gathered by chance in the cockpit of AF447 ?
AF probably (maybe) thought it was not possible ... it is sometimes forgotten that there are some lotto whinners ....