Thank you beardy. You should not see my criticism of the FSTA/AirTanker/RAF project as direct attack on Airbus aircraft. However, the level of robust integrity of the A330 autopilot/flying controls in the role of a close formation leader has been severely called into question by this accident. As a (former?) receiver you might recall the reliance that you put in the smooth accurate flying of a tanker? Well, most of that was through the autopilot. Surely the introduction of the FSTA should not see questions about the suitability of the flying controls in this role?
OAP