Originally Posted by BOAC
I was suggesting that just as 'mode confusion' is a well-established derivative of our automotive cockpit, so reversionary modes could be causing confusion when infrequently experienced, and then only when things have 'gone wrong' and commonly (outside the sim) with genuine 'startle factor'.
Now I get it! Mode confusion refers to autoflight, not flight controls system. While modern Georges are far cry from altitude holding autopilots of 80 years ago and nowadays we're blessed with such a fine modes as HDG, WINGS LVL, LNAV, VNAV, FLCH, VOR APP, FPA etc. which provide fertile ground for confusion, there is no equivalent of such different behaviour in Airbus FCS. As long as you are flying, have flight controls continuity and are not stalled, left sticks rolls you left and pull on the sticks gets the nose up, no matter which mode you are in. Instead of trying to memorize the formulas from FCOM for subsequent interpretation, it would be easier to to think about different modes in following terms: normal - aeroplane is flightpath stable (which means pitch stable if you don't vary the speed) and will prevent overspeed, stall and excessive attitude on her own. Alternate law - still flightpath stable but no stops. Direct law - like altn but now you have to trim out the residual stick force after setting the attitude and speed. Nothing there to be confused about.