Airbus planes have four modes: Normal Law, Alternate Law, Abnormal Alternate Law and Direct Law. In Normal Law the computer will basically override anything tha

Airbus planes have four modes: Normal Law, Alternate Law, Abnormal Alternate Law and Direct Law. In Normal Law the computer will basically override anything that would put the plane out of its flight envelope. In Direct Law there are no protections provided (but there are still warnings). (Abnormal) Alternate Law are in between, with some protections active. There's even a mechanical backup in case of complete electric power loss... I don't know if it's available on all models though. So no: in Airbus planes the pilot can and do absolutely control everything. If needed the pilot can always go into Direct Law. When sensors fail (like the pitot tubes in AF447) Airbus planes step down to Alternate Law. “If the software fails, pilots can take control, unlike in Airbus planes” has never been true. There is however a difference in that Boeing pilots are supposed to always have the last word without needing to deactivate protections or anything. The plane would for instance apply physical resistance on the yoke to alert the pilot that something is wrong, but pulling/pushing hard enough is enough to override the protection. Well, that was my understanding until this accident (investigation pending, of course).