Sharp Manual Overspeed Correction Injured Boeing 737's Cabin Crew

After reading this, I called a couple of friends who are airline pilots. One flew the B737 for years before moving up to heavier iron and the other currently flies B737s. Both guys said Vertical Speed mode is their preferred method for initiating a descent from cruise altitude. One likes to switch to VNAV once the descent is stabilized, but the other says he stays in VS mode as long as possible. Apparently they agree with Silent Bob's opinion of VNAV, at least at the start of descent.

I don’t imagine the wind speed changed all that much in 2500’, and a temporary little excursion beyond MMO isn’t going to hurt anything except the Captain’s pride when the overspeed warning activates. Sounds more like inattention and a little too much reliance on A/P and A/T.

The 737 AP sucks in VNAV descents and has a tendency to overspeed even without a windshift. They didn't say what mode they were using so I'm assuming VNAV, but as stated in the article the AT isn't all that quick to respond to an overspeed either. But 40+ lbs of force seems like an awful lot for what should have been a gentle pull.

Finally something like the old FA squawks. It stands out from the frequent mind-numbing tripe that clutters up the threads.

"startle effect" I must remember that one.

Once I read it was a Ryan crew it made perfect sense