If AOA sensors had frozen at lower speed(higher AOA) then they would trigger Valpha protection(not alpha floor) at higher speed/M as the AOA threshold for the protection is lowered and the speed tape will show valpha prot/alpha max masking VLS and since it is a latching condition normally would cause a descent at Valpha prot. But if there is an updraft and speed tends to increase the aircraft in trying to maintain Valphaprot will climb. If AOA vanes were normal you can get out of alpha prot by simply pushing the stick forward. In QZ8501 case the aircraft was cruising at .78 for a while without a problem so AOA vanes should be at the correct threshold so I am not convinced that is the cause. Also to override protections you need to switch off two ADRs and not FACs unless they did it by mistake. After evoking abnormal attitude law, after recovery the aircraft goes in alternate law and stays in alternate even with gear down. If you want direct law for landing you need to reset ELACs
Last edited by vilas; 30th Jan 2015 at 10:00.