It would be interesting to put an Airbus 330 in a chamber where severe
atmospheric electromagnetic radiation patterns could be duplicated to
test the effects on the plane's electrical and electronics systems. I
think it should be done.
Most likely that the pilots could do absolutely nothing to control the
plane. They could perhaps have a last drink before they crash. They
knew this, and that is why the seats are not even folded down in the
cockpit.
By the way the bathroom trouble indicator, at the start of the fault
indications is most likely an electrical fault as is common in that
area on most planes due to way planes are wired.
Aluminum wiring harnesses have another implication. Aluminum, often
used for EMR shielding due to its ability to attract and disperse
electromagnetics can act in the same way in harnesses. It collects and
carries the inductive potential quite readily, potentially creating a
very real danger that is potentially worse than properly shielded
copper. Remember that aluminum is a material of choice in EMR
shielding exactly because it is good at attracting electromagnetic
interference.
Keep in mind that the fly by wire systems are derivative from military
technologies, but are very cheapened versions, without the milspec
standards being applied to protect the system from EMR.
That is the problem with excessively automated modern aircraft such as
Airbus. They tend to disconnect their pilots in an emergency and then
make up their own minds as to crashing. Nothing anyone can really do
when the plane makes up its own mind, closes its mind completely, and
goes down.
Robert Morpheal
Amusing: completely wrong-headed, but amusing.
Brian W