Unfortunately not at all. Center Hydraulics is not needed whatsoever to lower the gear. The Alternate Gear Extension system doesn't require hydraulics, just electrical power. Electrical power is needed to hold open the hydraulic shuttle valve for lowering the gear normally using center hydraulics pressure and electrical power is needed for the electric motors to operate the door and gear uplocks when using the Alternate Extension System. We have already determined they had electrical power, so why weren't the gear lowered using the Alternate method? It's possible that the pooch got screwed, but I can't say that with 100% certainty. I also say it's a bit premature for the media to call them hero's, but hey, our profession could use a few more hero's to improve how the media view us. They have already forgotten the time I was in Macho Grande! LMAO