"Mike Rhodes" wrote in message
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[...]
If the control inputs are controlled, as I believe Airbus is, then the
pilot cannot be blamed for over-controlling; unless the manufacturer
pointedly states not to do that.

The manual for my airplane (and most, I believe) says nothing about not
pulling too hard on the yoke when recovering from a dive in which the
airspeed exceeds Vne. Does that mean that the manufacturer would be to
blame if I caused the wings to fail by doing so?

I don't think so. I'm curious why it appears that you would.

This vertical stabilizer failure is a more esoteric issue, granted...but
it's essentially the same. All aircraft have their limits, and pilots
should be aware of them.

Typical structure failure is from stabilizer abuse, not the rudder, I
thought. But now do I need to be concerned with what I do with my
feet?

You needed to be before. Though, to be fair, unless you're flying transport
category aircraft, your concerns are defined by different certification
rules than those at issue here.

As far as how structure failure happens, I don't know what you mean by "from
stabilizer abuse, not the rudder". The rudder is the primary way to stress
the vertical stabilizer, it being attached to it and all, as well as using
the vertical stabilizer to transmit forces generated by the control surface
to the airframe.

Pete