Having multiple joysticks that can be in different positions at the same time and yet all simultaneously affect the flight of the Airbus is a serious design flaw.
Up to this point, the situation was playing out in a sadly too common case of pilot error, pilot inexperience, which makes up a huge portion of aviation accidents.
When I read about the dual input averaging, I literally exclaimed "what?!". I can't believe that, for all the strict standards that flight control software must meet, nobody called this out as a dangerous idea?
completely agree about this 'dual input' mode - crazy.
But also these modern planes seem to jump in and out of 'modes' without any warning or confirmation.
I believe the 2008 plane crash at Madrid (largely pilot error again) also suffered from some confusion about the plane 'mode'. It was set to 'normal flight mode' whilst attempting to take off (or something).
Again, both crashes largely due to 'usability' issues and cockpit design.
Madrid crash was due to a improper disconection of the flight-ground sensor by maintenance( following unclear documentation)That led to a take off without flaps ( the configuration alarm didn't sound as it should when the crew forgot to extend them). It didn't take off it only jumped out of the runway and then crashed.
It was not an usability matter just lots of small factors aligning, neither one on itself could have caused the accident.
There is a loud "dual input" voice + a red light just infront of you. Also if you push the red button on the sidestick and keep it pressed you override all te commands of the other one. This has several reasons, taking away the control from a disoriented pilot or disengaging a malfunctioning sidestick which is commanding random inputs.
Exactly. Anyone who has fought for control of a television with two remote controls knows exactly how this works out. You both start pushing channel-up and channel-down in response to what you think is the other persons action but may be in fact be your own.
