[biigD]

Boeing may be looking to modify the software to allow for readings from both current sensors, but in the event of a sensor problem it still doesn't answer the question of which sensor is at fault? In short, it's a bodge and no matter what they do software wise, the plane will still have a weakness due to only two AOA sensors being fitted.

In the case of an AOA disagree, MCAS would simply not activate. Like you, I couldn't believe it wasn't designed like this to begin with.  :huh:  I agree that three sensors would be ideal, but losing MCAS functionality inflight isn't a threat to the safety of the aircraft and I think it'll go back into service with just the software change.

[Trippynet]

The problem with that however is that the plane will no longer fly with the typical characteristics of previous 737s, so what will happen if pilots lose control as a result? Remember, they're trained on typical 737s, then potentially fly a plane with differing flight characteristics. MCAS is supposed to be there to prevent the plane being classified differently and thus requiring different (and expensive) pilot re-training.

Yeah, 99.99% would probably be fine. But I imagine this could then re-surface in a few years time if faulty MCAS and pilot error combines to down a flight...

[biigD]

The problem with that however is that the plane will no longer fly with the typical characteristics of previous 737s, so what will happen if pilots lose control as a result? Remember, they're trained on typical 737s, then potentially fly a plane with differing flight characteristics.

I bet they'll be willing to roll the dice since the differing flight characteristics are in a narrow regime that no pilot should find him/herself in to begin with. Until the last year or so our simulators couldn't even accurately duplicate how the airplane will handle up near the edges of a stall, so it's not like we're particularly familiar with how the airplane handles in those situations anyway. We're just trained on how to recover, which is the same process regardless.

I agree that three AOA vanes would be better, but financial considerations still drive the process to a large extent, and I'll bet Boeing gets away with the fixes they've already implemented. We'll see though! With Covid-19 my airline is just trying to stay alive, let alone figure out when they'll get their 40 MAX airframes back. :(