But can the determination to perform the stab trim cut-off be done in seconds?
Are there other feedback mechanisms present that can interrupt that determination?
That appears to be the case in these scenarios. The MCAS doesn't perform the incorrect action continuously, it looks like initial corrective measures fix the problem until they suddenly don't.
Activating those switches cuts off electric trim and would completely deactivate MCAS. It can be done in seconds.
And then what? How much longer will it take to manually move the stabilizer to a suitable position? How much time do the pilots have at under 7,000 ft AGL? Will the elevator have to be moved nose down to unload the stab before the stab can be retrimmed?
> Activating those switches cuts off electric trim and would completely deactivate MCAS. It can be done in seconds.
That's great...if they'd understood that the system was malfunctioning...but they had no such indication because their airline didn't pay for the optional "feature."
Activating those switches cuts off electric trim and would completely deactivate MCAS. It can be done in seconds.