When in the cruise in the A320 we go into 'Soft Alt Mode (Cruise)'. In this mode the Mach target is maintained by allowing a +/- 50 feet variation from the cruising flight level - this is to improve fuel efficiency. I don't know what Airbus have done to achieve this but it makes the ATHR less responsive. To achieve better responsiveness I have found selecting the speed works well. Selected modes take priority over managed modes (managed modes being based upon the information that has been inputted to the flight computers). Going man thrust is a possibility for sure and in severe turbulence is recommended - to just set the relevant N1 and try and fly the pitch.
As you may have seen with the AF447 case sometimes (especially with the Airbus) it's best to do nothing initially - less is more on this plane. That said we all know the Airbus golden rules - one of which is to take over if the aircraft isn't doing what you want. I suppose it depends on whether you are pro-acting or reacting. Either way - pause and move through the flight deck like it's filled with treacle (to again repeat something said to me by an ex BA capt who trained me early on - he came across to easy with retirement). Nothing worse than startle, impulse and thoughtlessness in these cases - especially when working in a multi crew environment. As has been said this is really just an annoying paperwork exercise on the ground.
Last edited by WhyByFlier; 21st June 2013 at 08:01.