Originally Posted by OK465
or is the max AOA available strictly a function of actual slat/flap position being detected by the FMGEC regardless of the MCDU CONF prompt selection?
I would go for that one - I did not find anything in the FCOM to state otherwise.
As you mentioned, CONF 3 selection on the MCDU will modify VLS and VAPP, but it is also a signal for the GPWS in its FLAP MODE operation.
Alpha max at 17.5 deg CONF 3 as per BEA
Alpha max at 15 deg in landing configuration as per video
CONF FULL is the usual landing configuration as per FCOM.
Originally Posted by Dozy
For example, it would do no good to set pitch attitude to match an AoA of 17.5 degrees based on the current airspeed if, by the time that pitch attitude was reached, the aircraft was flying a few knots slower.
To lose 1kt/sec is very soft and normal and certainly nothing to restrain the AoA at 15 deg.