> what's the point if there's no mechanical linkage to the control surfaces? In this case, the pilot would have realized the junior copilot was issuing control

> what's the point if there's no mechanical linkage to the control surfaces? In this case, the pilot would have realized the junior copilot was issuing control inputs and (likely) prevented a plane from crashing, saving the lives of all aboard. Seems like a pretty decent point to me. > EDIT: Maybe you mean that a mechanical linkage would provide a feedback mechanism, so that one pilot would know if the other pilot was attempting an input? I don't know if there's force feedback on Airbus flight controls. Yes, that's what I meant. And no, there isn't. At least, not one that would indicate conflicting inputs from the other pilot.