@jcj - I didn't say the crew had no basic knowledge of aerodynamics, I just stated that a pilot with a basic knowledge of aerodynamics should (given sufficient time to think) be able to work out that something was wrong if the SW sounded in response to putting the nose down (and consequently *reducing* AoA).
What we've discussed several times in these threads and many others is that while all pilots must have a grounding in the basics of aerodynamics (principles of flight, thrust, lift, AoA, stall etc.) in order to get their PPL - it seems that once in the ATPL world, recurrent training does not seem to refresh any of that knowledge periodically.
Originally Posted by
Winnerhofer
Once the plane is in ALT, it remains in ALT until overseen by maintenance.
Not exactly - Alternate Law is only "latched" (as in cannot revert to Normal) if the divergent conditions last for more than 10 seconds. A transient condition of less than 10 seconds will allow for a return to Normal Law in flight.
In this case the pitot tubes were blocked for too long and Alt2B was latched.