[skeptoid]

I overcome by a sense of absolute incredulity reading through the article about Flight 447's last four minutes. . . ..

This AVmail letter of the week is very enlightening. The pilot (with 4500 A330 hours) concludes with:

. . . Lest anyone think I am blaming the Air France pilots for this accident, let me be clear. Despite all of my experience in the aircraft, I am not the least bit certain that I would have been able to maintain control under the same circumstances. I do feel certain that were you to spring this scenario on pilots in a simulator without warning less than half of them would have a successful outcome. Safely flying the 320, 330 and 340-series Airbus requires something of a non-pilot mindset.

And here is a page of several articles on AF 447.

[lbryce]

I appreciate your comments, article links. Regarding the pilots' handling of the A330, the letter of the week you referenced was indeed enlightening. I stand corrected and much better-informed. Thank you.