[blockquote]
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On 11/3/2002 5:23:08 AM MileHighGuy wrote:
If that's the case, why bother to have a data recorder? I thought the reason for having one was to actually record all of the pilot's input and actions while flying. Specifically, it acts as a witness to actual commands carried out by the pilots (yoke, pedals, etc.); which may not match what the voice recorder has recorded. In a stressful situation, a pilot may say one thing and by mistake do something that is the exact opposite (we are only human). That's the beauty of the data recorder. It acts as a backup if you will, to the voice recorder. [/BLOCKQUOTE]
I pretty much agree with everything you have to say here.
[blockquote]
If what you state is true, then all airlines (including AA) will hide behind your statement and blame mishaps on aircraft computers.[/blockquote]
I don't agree here. What you have with the A300 is a unique situation whereby we don't know. Call it a design flaw, but it did pass certification in the U.S.
We also have several instances whereby the A300 rudder computer in this particular fleet made uncommanded inputs. This computer, from what I have been able to learn, not only translates pilot input to the rudder actuators but also controls the rudder limiter function and the yaw damper.
Granted what I know about the A300 is limited, but those on the Safety committee have been studying it and still cannot come to a conclusion as to who or what is to blame for the input. However, when you say who's to blame, the scapegoat here is not able to defend himself.