Most people, and the industry, seem to be missing some fundamental safety systems issues here by focussing on the detail rather than the big picture. A key concept of safety systems is there are three types of factors: human, machine, and environment. In this case environmental factors are largely the inherently unsafe position of a flying aircraft at altitude.
With respect to human factors, human error is simply an unavoidable element. Human error can be minimised, but it will never be eliminated. So while better training and higher levels of competency should be constant goals, they will never prevent human error being a causal element. Focussing on human error as the root cause, or fixable cause, in these incidents is a mistake.
With over 35 years of experience in incident response and investigation, systems design, and high-risk hazard and risk analysis expertise, it is absolutely obvious to me that there are design flaws in the airbus operating environment. In no other high risk industry would some of the human-machine interface elements, (discussed enough here that they don't need repeating) be allowed to continue in place following the incidents that have occurred.
It really is that simple. But I imagine the financial cost of remedy is immense.
Last edited by bud leon; 4th Dec 2015 at 01:55.