How do the maximum loads the A300 vertical stabilizer can endure compare with those of other twin widebodies? Is this a problem that affects all similar planes or is the fact that the A300 stabilizer is composite (and breaks instead of bending) the root of this very nasty failure mode? And I'm no Airbus apologist, but Boeing hasn't been particularly forthcoming when it comes to the center fuel tank and 737 rudder hard-over issues. Regards, Jon -- Jon Wright mailto:jwright@xxxxxxxxxxx 425-635-0338 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris Wallace" <edwardwallace@xxxxxxx> To: <AIRLINE@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2003 4:20 PM Subject: Re: Airbus A300 Vertical Stabilizer, AA587, AA903 > The actions at Airbus were absoultely disgusting. Why were > they warning AA pilots not to make strenuous rudder > movements? Perhaps because they knew of the possible > consequences?? It's probably because the cost involved in > design changes would slow them down in their race with > Boeing. In an emergency, a pilot is likely to do whatever he > (she) can to correct the situation. Airbus should've > designed the tail structure better so that sudden rudder > movements in emergency situations would not overstress it.