Me understanding is that this system does not function when the auto pilot is switched off. I would think the pilot would go to manual mode instantly if the plane was acting abnormally. Fly by looking out the window.
Not true, MCAS continues to operate even when the autopilot is turned off. To disable it there are two cutout switches next to the First Officer at the rear of the thrust column.
“Me understanding is that this system does not function when the auto pilot is switched off”
Exact opposite. MCAS engages WHEN autopilot is switched off. And the special fun is that the pilots were never told the system existed. So they were fighting something that they didn’t even know was happening. They are supposed to decide that the failure is similar to a runaway trim tab and treat it like that, although that isn’t exactly what it is.
Actually, I believe it’s just the oposite. The MCAS system is active during manual pahse of flight. There are also two AOA sensors on the aircraft. If memory serves,there were conflicting readings from the AOA on the previous flight. The crew wrote it up but maintenance never addressed the issue prior to the fatal flight.
Also...I read the MCAS system makes pitch corrections in small increments, that it takes 10-seconds to go to full deflection and the total travel of the trim tab under the MCAS system is approx 2.5 inches.
While I believe Boeing was negligent in not placing the MCAS system in the flight manual, the “fix” for this system is supposedly the same as a runaway stab. Either manual change trim or utilize the trim button on the yoke.
I think these crashes are the result of training or lack thereof more than anything.