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Understanding Air France 447
An engaging coverage of Air France 447, the Airbus A330 that crashed in the ocean north of Brazil on June 1, 2009, killing all 228 persons on board. Written by A330 Captain, Bill Palmer, this book opens to understanding the actions of the crew, how they failed to understand and control the problem, and how the airplane works and the part it played. All in easy to understand terms. Addressed are the many contributing aspects of weather, human factors, and airplane system operation and design that the crew could not recover from. How each contributed is covered in detail along with what has been done, and needs to be done in the future to prevent this from happening again.
218 pages, Paperback
First published September 20, 2013
90 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 6, 2015
Good in-depth analysis of the crash
This book is an extremely detailed analysis of the crash and provides a compelling argument that completely automated flight operations can be dangerous. It's scary to realize they the people flying airplanes are often not well trained in manually controlling that plane when a crisis occurs.
This book is an extremely detailed analysis of the crash and provides a compelling argument that completely automated flight operations can be dangerous. It's scary to realize they the people flying airplanes are often not well trained in manually controlling that plane when a crisis occurs.
October 6, 2024
This remains one of the most horrifying plane crashes for me. I was only eight years old when 447 vanished over the Atlantic, and the news was deeply unsettling. The story is undeniably tragic, and I can't help but sympathize with First Officer Bonin. The darkness, lack of visibility, strange smells, and severe thunderstorm must have been terrifying.
I believe that, if Robert had been flying the plane, the crash might have been prevented. Robert repeatedly warned, "You are pitching up!" but never formally took control. Sadly, both Robert and Dubois realized at 10,000 feet that Bonin was stalling the plane with incorrect inputs. When Robert said, "Well, we have to, we are at 4,000," and Dubois replied, "Go on, pull," it seemed as though the captain had resigned himself to their fate.
Dubois's body was found three days later. Bonin and Robert went down with the plane and were recovered two years later. This harrowing tale, beautifully told in this book, sent chills up my spine. Rip to all 228 souls lost.
I believe that, if Robert had been flying the plane, the crash might have been prevented. Robert repeatedly warned, "You are pitching up!" but never formally took control. Sadly, both Robert and Dubois realized at 10,000 feet that Bonin was stalling the plane with incorrect inputs. When Robert said, "Well, we have to, we are at 4,000," and Dubois replied, "Go on, pull," it seemed as though the captain had resigned himself to their fate.
Dubois's body was found three days later. Bonin and Robert went down with the plane and were recovered two years later. This harrowing tale, beautifully told in this book, sent chills up my spine. Rip to all 228 souls lost.
July 15, 2017
First of all, I have to say, this book is very VERY technical. With that being said, it may discourage general readers from ever getting hold of this book. I am not a pilot, but the one thing I am certain of is that I am very enthusiastic towards finding out the chain of critical events that lead to an aviation accident.
Content wise, there are a number of spelling errors. Not only that, I felt that some sentences were left hanging. These 2 aspects are the reasons why I can't give this book a perfect score of 5/5. Aside from that, I would like to point out that the author has gone through great lengths to analytically describe the A330's capabilities and what the crew could have done to effectively handle a seemingly small problem. Additionally, as a highly experienced Airbus A330 pilot, Palmer's broke the "chain of critical events" into smaller, more comprehensible situations that contributed to the tragic accident.
If you have deep interest towards Air France Flight 447 and keen to find out what the pilots did in that cockpit, I'd suggest you get this book. Seriously, to this day, I have yet to stumble upon a book which has a content that is as technical and extensively written as this.
Content wise, there are a number of spelling errors. Not only that, I felt that some sentences were left hanging. These 2 aspects are the reasons why I can't give this book a perfect score of 5/5. Aside from that, I would like to point out that the author has gone through great lengths to analytically describe the A330's capabilities and what the crew could have done to effectively handle a seemingly small problem. Additionally, as a highly experienced Airbus A330 pilot, Palmer's broke the "chain of critical events" into smaller, more comprehensible situations that contributed to the tragic accident.
If you have deep interest towards Air France Flight 447 and keen to find out what the pilots did in that cockpit, I'd suggest you get this book. Seriously, to this day, I have yet to stumble upon a book which has a content that is as technical and extensively written as this.
July 5, 2017
A must read for Airbus and professional pilots.
An easy, fast paced, but highly informative piece of analysis of the Air France 447 crash. It is so well written that is one need not be aviation professional to understand most of the analysis. However, ATP rated pilots, especially those who fly A320 and A330 series aircraft, will find it the most informative.
Bill Palmer expertly debunks a few myths about AF447, while also providing some insight in what can be done to prevent such "pilot-error" related accidents again. He examines why the pilots erred and also speculates what might have lead to their mishandling of a critical situation.
I promise will learn something from his analysis that will make you a better professional pilot. This was recommended as essential reading when I became a Captain on an Airbus for a U.S. Airline and I am recommending the same to anyone reading this review.
An easy, fast paced, but highly informative piece of analysis of the Air France 447 crash. It is so well written that is one need not be aviation professional to understand most of the analysis. However, ATP rated pilots, especially those who fly A320 and A330 series aircraft, will find it the most informative.
Bill Palmer expertly debunks a few myths about AF447, while also providing some insight in what can be done to prevent such "pilot-error" related accidents again. He examines why the pilots erred and also speculates what might have lead to their mishandling of a critical situation.
I promise will learn something from his analysis that will make you a better professional pilot. This was recommended as essential reading when I became a Captain on an Airbus for a U.S. Airline and I am recommending the same to anyone reading this review.
November 8, 2023
First and foremost, this is not a reading for those not initiated in the aviation field, as the text assumes that a minimum knowledge of aviation concepts is held by the reader. That being said, Captain Palmer thoroughly explains all the required concepts for those that are not initiated in the Airbus fly-by-wire concepts and technology, and how they might have played a role (either positive or negative) to the outcome of this tragedy. I greatly enjoyed learning the differences of flying an Airbus from flying a General Aviation aircraft. The book also takes the time to go through all other elements that contributed to the accident, as one cannot oversimplify this case as pure human error, or a mere technical failure of the pitot tube readings... there is much more that adds up to the grand scheme of things, and all these is explained in details. Thanks for the enjoyable reading, Captain Palmer!
May 22, 2022
A small measurement port — the pitot tubes — get clogged with ice and cause an airplane to crash and kill hundreds of people. This book is a deep dive into the accident and the many factors that led to what happened.
I liked the detailed analysis without the usual drama of one or a few people included. What was an annoying weakness was the poor editing of the text, this despite praise in the forward for an editor who supposedly caught many mistakes in the drafts of the book. Either the editor made things worse or the the drafts must have been a mess. A high school kid should have caught a lot of the basic writing problems.
I liked the detailed analysis without the usual drama of one or a few people included. What was an annoying weakness was the poor editing of the text, this despite praise in the forward for an editor who supposedly caught many mistakes in the drafts of the book. Either the editor made things worse or the the drafts must have been a mess. A high school kid should have caught a lot of the basic writing problems.
September 19, 2024
Automated systems are only useful if pilots have a deep understanding of how they work
A lot of technical details in simple language. Well done. The final part of the book explains very well what needs to be done for a better interaction between humans and machine, which is at the core of this accident. The book is also an eye opener that this accident should not be treated as unique, but as a part of a culture of over confindence in technologies that make human pilots lose their basic habilities as airmen. Automated systems are only useful if the people who operate them have a deep understanding of how they work.
A lot of technical details in simple language. Well done. The final part of the book explains very well what needs to be done for a better interaction between humans and machine, which is at the core of this accident. The book is also an eye opener that this accident should not be treated as unique, but as a part of a culture of over confindence in technologies that make human pilots lose their basic habilities as airmen. Automated systems are only useful if the people who operate them have a deep understanding of how they work.
February 5, 2021
Definitely a very technical book. Recommend only for those readers who are ATP pilots or at least are familiar with the Airbus and it’s control laws. If not, you’ll get pretty lost, pretty quick. However, if you are familiar, this is probably one of the most detailed books about an Airbus incident that I’ve ever read. Would’ve loved for it to be organized a little better, but overall it was very informative. A quick read.
June 2, 2023
Excellent read . I can read it again ! Really like all his thorough in-depth analysis of the casual factors , human factors , weather , technical breakdown and recommendations which other pilots can take in their daily flying. Doing the Upset recovery training in Mesa AZ is a great recommendation and upkeep of those hand flying skills . Very clear poignant read . Thank you so much Captain Palmer .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2023
A must-read for every aviation enthusiast.
The book is very well written and easy to understand. Nevertheless, it is very interesting and covers all relevant aspects related to this airplane incident. For me it was an absolute page-turner and I could not stop reading. At the end, I learned a huge amount of very interesting facts and information. Thanks a lot!
The book is very well written and easy to understand. Nevertheless, it is very interesting and covers all relevant aspects related to this airplane incident. For me it was an absolute page-turner and I could not stop reading. At the end, I learned a huge amount of very interesting facts and information. Thanks a lot!
April 18, 2020
Really good. Written in an easily understood prose. As a airline pilot myself, I haven't found a great deal of aviation books satisfying, but Captain Palmer did an outstanding job writing this so that it could translate on multiple levels. Highly recommend!
July 19, 2025
being a pilot I can now have a better judgment
Children’s of the magenta
Incredible piece of art this book which allow to easy understand aviation and of course this tragedy and how not to repeat it
Children’s of the magenta
Incredible piece of art this book which allow to easy understand aviation and of course this tragedy and how not to repeat it
October 30, 2018
A must read for any pilot
Ignore the popular reporting and read this book if you really want to be informed about AF 447. Very well organized
Ignore the popular reporting and read this book if you really want to be informed about AF 447. Very well organized
July 30, 2019
Great read!
This book was very informative and thought provoking. I literally couldn’t put it down! I would$ highly recommended it to anyone.
This book was very informative and thought provoking. I literally couldn’t put it down! I would$ highly recommended it to anyone.
September 25, 2019
I now know more about the Airbus A330 than I thought I would ever know.
May 8, 2021
Extremely well written. Enjoyed reading this book. Couldn't put it down.
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January 26, 2024in-depth analysis was informative as an airbus pilot
December 26, 2024
An incredible breakdown of a tragic event.
August 28, 2024
A bit too technical but necessary, good read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2017
Title says it all
I've never been an Airbus fan, and this read did nothing to change that. The Captain provided great detail on this crash without it turning into a dry, technical read.
I've never been an Airbus fan, and this read did nothing to change that. The Captain provided great detail on this crash without it turning into a dry, technical read.
April 24, 2015
I'm not a pilot but I do have a very basic understanding of the systems on modern commercial aircraft. So, while I skimmed through some of the more technical passages, overall I found this book extremely informative and enlightening. The conclusions in particular did a great job of summarizing the many factors that contributed to this crash, such as training, crew resource management issues, cockpit displays and more.
January 19, 2016
Still can't get this loss out of my head. Unfathomable.
Next time you get on a plane, you might want to ask the pilot if he feels completely comfortable flying that aircraft without autopilot, if he's been trained to recognize and fly out of a high altitude stall, and if he can communicate effectively with his co-pilots. No one should have to ask these questions!
Next time you get on a plane, you might want to ask the pilot if he feels completely comfortable flying that aircraft without autopilot, if he's been trained to recognize and fly out of a high altitude stall, and if he can communicate effectively with his co-pilots. No one should have to ask these questions!
April 1, 2014
This book was written by a highly experienced Airbus 330 pilot. It is clear that the author is extremely knowledgeable in the subject and he presents a cogent explanation of the likely causes of this tragic (and appparently avoidable) crash. However, the material is quite technical and really is more appropriate for those readers who are aviation tech-savvy.
January 31, 2015
Palmer's insight into the events of AF447 and his working knowledge of the Airbus A330 are impressive. A very technical read and likely beyond the average "hanger pilot". However, if you have an interest in AF 447, this book provides one of the most balanced descriptions of the events that I have come across.
November 12, 2020
É um livro que une a experiência do autor (que é piloto), com informações obtidas diretamente do manual do avião e o relatório final do acidente parar gerar um relato completo e bem detalhado, recheado de termos técnicos, sobre o que aconteceu com o voo AF447. Altamente recomendado para quem curte aviação.
December 5, 2014
Interesting insights and opinions regarding the flight but there are just too many technical terms to really understand everything, which makes it hard to read at times.
April 13, 2014
Very good book and analysis, except that I only understand about half the technical stuff!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews