I would have thought that my reply @ #14 would be sufficient to close this thread...? In addition, the detented droop lever was far enough back not to interfere with autopilot panel selections and, in any case, required some force to move it inboard, hence my 'heel of the hand' comment.. I flew G-ARPI many times, including an off runway landing accident, and flew with Captain Key on several occasions. I subscribe to the 'put it in' theory, whereby an altitude select directive was misinterpreted as a droop retract order. Stan could be authoratitive and intimidating to a junior second officer, but he was good family man with a kindly side, not often seen.
Last edited by 777fly; 29th Sep 2013 at 21:55.