Anyone know why autopilot cutoff switches aren't a thing? I know these aircraft aren't designed for pure manual operation, but I don't understand why there is not a way to downgrade the level of computer control, turn off all but the most simple autopilot functions. Anyone here in the know on this?
They are, even with autopilots in general-aviation airplanes that commonly have a disable button on the control yoke, a button on the panel, and a circuit breaker to cut George's power.
Ah I was more aluding to the automatic system that caused the crashes (MCAS I believe), but after a bit of research it seems this is not an autopilot function, more of a flight assist function. Still, it kinda blows my mind that any system that can forcibly counteract the pilot's control could not come with an off switch. I'd feel uncomfortable if my car didn't have an off switch for traction control.
