Originally Posted by Carl Spackler

Maybe the 777 guys can help me out here, but I wonder if it wasn't something as simple as automation confusion?

Consider that we know the GS was out of service and that ATC seems to always keep you high on those visual approaches to the 28's. It's logical they would have been descending in FLCH (airspeed controlled by pitch and autothrottles kept at idle). If TDZ elevation was set in the altitude window while descending in FLCH, and there was no active glide slope for them to capture, what if they simply disconnected the autopilot and flew visually once they captured a visual glide path. They may have kept the autothrottles engaged thinking it would be there to hold the target approach speed for them...but autothrottles would have stayed at idle due to FLCH mode. If everyone assumed the autothrottles would do their job, and nobody was watching airspeed, that's one explanation as to how an experienced crew could have gotten so slow.

Just a thought...and could well be wrong since I don't know the 777 modes.

Carl

Originally Posted by newKnow

I'm going to stop reading about it. Just saw an article in the USA Today that said that determining the cause of the crash could take years. First reaction: Why? They have video of the crash, the black/orange boxes are intact, and the pilots are alive.

.....I'm already distracted. Duck Dynasty is on.

Originally Posted by newKnow

Automation confusion? Sounds possible, plus its a good term. I'm going to start using it when I'm in the A-320 jumpseat.

Originally Posted by 80ktsClamp

I watched the news ~5 minutes about it and wanted to throw something at it.

This one is going to be pretty cut and dry pretty dang quick.

Originally Posted by 80ktsClamp

Should have rode up front that day I was flying going to MDW. Confusion doesn't begin to describe how I fly.

Originally Posted by newKnow

You warned me. I still have the text you sent me:

"Remember. Hearing screams of panic when I fly is normal."

Originally Posted by 80ktsClamp

I don't believe DPA is the answer, but saluting and doing everything to carry the ALPA party line doesn't help either. There has been progress made recently in the right direction I believe. I will not support waxing poetic on mediocrity, though.

Originally Posted by 80ktsClamp

I agree. I think upon the joint agreement with AA that nicolau will be implemented. They got themselves an 8 year delay... I figured they would have been smacked down long ago but kept pushing it back.

Originally Posted by BlueMoon

Someone got some video of the asiana Hitting the end of the runway. It is from far away.

Video - Breaking News Videos from CNN.com

Originally Posted by 80ktsClamp

I've found it to be very much a pilot's airline. Hand flying with all the magic off has been encouraged and praised in my experience. Heck, my OE captain on the 320 hand flew plus AT off below 10,000 on almost every approach. I'm usually too lazy for that.

Originally Posted by forgot to bid

I'm not opposed to the DPA. I'm not opposed to DALPA. But I am opposed to ALPA National. I'd rather be independent.



Let me guess, AMR wants DOH?



Whoa. I kept hearing "it cartwheeled" and thought how would it have kept its wings if it cartwheeled. But that's sort of a flat cartwheel. I wonder what airliner (747 maybe) was taxing out?