Ah, that makes sense. My answer would be unless you know for sure it's the MCAS that is bad and not something else it's easier/safer to just shut off all systems that utilize stab trim and save the troubleshooting for later.

(Written on 2020/01/20)(Permalink)

Eh, not true at all. The Stabilizer Trim Cutout Switches on the pedestal will prevent MCAS from operating. The Ethiopian crew did do this, and it stopped the MCAS. Problem is they had already allowed it to run the trim full nose down while allowing the aircraft to accelerate to a point where the air load on the stab prevented them from moving it manually. When they realized they were unable to trim manually they reengaged the cutout switch(es) which of course allowed the MCAS to operate again and sealed their fate.

(Written on 2020/01/19)(Permalink)

Not sure if this is humor or not. Jet fuel does not vaporize like gasoline and will not ignite even if a match is thrown right on it. Probably don't want to be breathing it in though.

(Written on 2020/01/15)(Permalink)

You're not an American. You're a POS. That is all.

(Written on 2020/01/12)(Permalink)

I can't speak for anything 787 related, but to answer your question re: MCAS on the 737 - no, the airplane is not at all unstable and does not need computer control. This is not a FBW system like the Airbus. MCAS is literally just lines of code in the flight control software that involves the Speed Trim System. All MCAS does, or is supposed to do anyway, is increase the pitch force at high AOA to make it harder to further increase AOA toward a stall. The NG and earlier models did this naturally through aerodynamics. The Max with the new engine placement requires help in order to achieve this. It is purely a certification issue and has nothing to do with the control-ability or stability of the aircraft.

(Written on 2019/12/14)(Permalink)

Maybe little Greta should take a bus trip to New Delhi and lecture them on climate change eh!

(Written on 2019/11/04)(Permalink)

"What you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."

(Written on 2019/11/02)(Permalink)

There's nothing wrong with the MCAS, as originally designed and approved by the FAA. It was never intended to have full control of the stabilizer all the way to the nose down limit. And it was not intended to run continuously either. It was supposed to move the stab one time, in a small increment, until reset. Somewhere along the line the code was changed giving it far too much authority, along with the fact that it never should've relied upon a single AOA vane with no comparison monitoring. Boeing did screw the pooch, there's no denying that. But to suggest the whole system should be abandoned is short-sighted and asinine.

(Written on 2019/10/15)(Permalink)

So SWA has over 700 NG airplanes, and yet grounding 2 of those 700 is "terrible" news?! Holy misleading headline Batman!

(Written on 2019/10/09)(Permalink)

Looks like it came unlatched from the bottom. Those latches should be checked by whomever did the walk-around, normally the FO at my company but could be the CA in some cases. To see those latches with the low engines you really have to hunch down and practically lay on the ground. Not saying this crew did but it's easy to get lazy and not look all the way down there. I know I'll be paying closer attention after this eh!

(Written on 2019/09/30)(Permalink)