If it is a simulator practice, know what is expected in the SOP and fly it. If in Real Life, why the
did you not divert about 30 minutes ago? In the rare case where a diversion is/was not possible - very rare and you ought to know that, follow the SOP or get a low as possible, shut ALL of it off and land the monster with whatever grace remains possible. That may be a challenge with airplanes that are a bit too smart for their own good (think French FBW types), but one more reason to ask questions within your own shop. Colleagues? Trainers? FOM writers? Chief Pilots if necessary. What it really means is know As Much As Possible about how that semi-stupid FBW system works and learn how to tell the SOB who is driving. Just by asking the question, you are far ahead of many/most others. This forum many not be the best place to find good answers, but please don't quit until you are satisfied. If you drive one of those (FBW) things, you really do need to know how it thinks, ahead of time. If not already obvious, if forced to land in that situation, you'll know it well before hitting the markers. Thoroughly brief your partner and know what each is expected to do, when, long before said markers. Those miserable approaches and landings CAN be made safely, but they require TWO sharp pilots who can out-think the damn FBW and have an absolutely firm plan, regardless of who is PF and PM. That is darn sure not the time to be asking the infamous question, '...what is it doing, now...?' Stick and rudder is not enough. Know your airplane, inside and out and keep your brain several steps ahead of the airplane's brain. Few do; all should.
