“MCAS is not an autopilot system. MCAS is on when he autopilot is turned off”
I probably should have realized that. I say “autopilot” but it’s called a flight management system now, isn’t it?
I’ve read that there’s a switch to disable MCAS. Certainly it’s on the console and labeled. Wouldn’t you think all pilots would insist on knowing what it does?
Boeing calls theirs "Autopilot Flight Director System (AFDS)"
AFDS is a very complex system. I have found a CBT lesson for 737 NG AFDS. The lesson has 2 parts and is a total of 237 slides. I believe the 737 MAX would have the same AFDS. Here's the links:
I’ve read that there’s a switch to disable MCAS. Certainly it’s on the console and labeled.
MCAS cannot be disabled on its own. It is disabled by turning off 2 switches (located on the console) that disable the Speed Trim System (STS).
Wouldn’t you think all pilots would insist on knowing what it does?
The short answer is YES. Please refer to my earlier response #15:
During development and delivery of the 737 MAX Boeing decided that the pilots didn't need to know about MCAS. The 737 MAX had a procedure to handle runaway stab trim. MCAS malfunction would appear to the pilots as runaway stab trim.
That decision is going to cost Boeing a lot of money.