@dash34 re: Propduffer -- I agree too cheeky in this tragedy, but I think he was (very clumsily) trying to make a different point about possible dangers of an artificially strict adherence to assigned FL (by pilot, but mainly by FMC) in extreme vertical weather. (Gliders seek out and utilize moderate vertical weather; airliners don't.)
Other questions in here about a primitive "fixed (gyro-only) attitude and power mode" for penetrating such weather (i.e. ignoring altitude and airspeed changes (within reason)) are getting at the same question/concern.
I mean there has to be some (rare but sometimes encountered) point where dangers of disorientation and/or FMC-caused extreme attitudes outweigh the danger of encountering another aircraft.
Last edited by jientho; 8th Jan 2015 at 19:49.