4 chapters across the catalog
Air France Flight 447 and Airbus Fly-By-Wire Criticism
The final report on the crash of Air France Flight 447 is criticized for blaming "pilot error" rather than technical failures in the Airbus fly-by-wire system. The discussion highlights the failure of pitot tubes and the confusing nature of computer-controlled flight systems. Concerns are also raised about the quality of Chinese-manufactured aircraft and industrial parts.
Air France Flight 447 Investigation Discrepancies
Adam Curry analyzes the official report on Air France Flight 447, questioning why the co-pilot pulled back on the stick during a stall, which contradicts standard pilot training. The discussion touches on potential software flaws in Airbus aircraft and the "fly-by-wire" systems.
The hosts evaluate various theories regarding the crash of Air France Flight 447, including mid-air breakup and frozen pitot tubes. They focus on a theory involving the Airbus rudder, noting a historical precedent of rudder failure in high-stress wind conditions. Curry suggests that if the plane broke up at high altitude, debris would be more widely scattered than what has been recovered.
Aviation experts and pilot unions suggest that malfunctioning pitot tubes, which measure airspeed, may have contributed to the disintegration of Air France Flight 447. Skeptics argue that a simple sensor freeze at high altitude should not cause a total airframe failure without other underlying maintenance issues.
