The learning curve we experienced in the 60s was similar to the curve
the military experienced when they took fighter pilots from the 40s and
put them in the first multiengine jets. The assumption was made that the
fighter pilots had already learned the lesson you refer to about engine
spool up times (after all, on swept wing transport category jets you can
go to idle thrust on approach, pitch up to level flight 100' off the
deck, and you won't get the stick shaker for 30 - 45 seconds).
Unfortunately, the fighter types didn't know what it was like to have
number four quit on takeoff, the resultant yaw from such a large moment
can really be a tiger for a single engine pilot.
There is no way any engineer can envision every possible abnormal or
emergency flight permutation, then even attempt to design a flight
control system to protect the crew from them. Teach me the limitations
of my airplane and let me experience them in the simulator. Don't design
an aircraft that does not permit the crew to exercise full and complete
control.
A B-727 driver
-- Sincerely, Jack Vyhnalek, AQP Program Coordinator DHL Airways, Inc. (606) 578-8301 ext. 251