Originally Posted by
cardiomd
I'd argue that this crew essentially DID try to do a dive and drive (well, never got to the drive part), and it does seem to me that a hand flown step down would have been safer than crashing by using a mangled hybrid approach using the vertical speed dial;
Originally Posted by
Adlerdriver
I understand the intent of a CDA. My point was that these two pilots in the accident aircraft had effectively reverted to a basic dive and drive LOC approach and were no longer flying a CDA.
I can't speak for all aircraft at FedEx, but the MD-11 and 777 procedures do not allow the option to V/S or FPA down a CDA approach with no "bottom" set in the MCP.
We're saying the same thing, and I agree with your analysis.
I, personally, would not have the MDA in the MCP to protect myself if I was flying V/S. That would result in an Alt Capture\break the descent prior to reaching your decision point.
DDA is always above MDA for the final segment...