I'd say you're correct Beefhole (regarding flaps and engine failures)
In the case of the airbus, I already told you the the Blue system will fix the slats for you. However the flap system uses yellow and green hydraulic power so the A330 crew on the Transat flight had no access to the flap system if I have got my facts straight  

Besides , flaps aren't suitable when landing without engines anyway, causes way too much drag.
However, the slats can fail aswell. If the pressure in the blue system isn't adequate to power heavy load users (slats are one of them) a priority valve will cut off hydraulic power to the slats.

Another aircraft, the B737 would not have working flaps either, should the engines fail. Hydraulic system B (#2 engine) normally powers the trailing edge flaps, but the standby system is capable of power the leading edge devices.

Ok well lemme address some things from a pilot's perspective.

I ain't a big fan of autobrake myself, I much prefer manually braking it just for the wear savings (and maybe more challenge).
When it is used, Autobrake 1 is used on a long dry runway where you are in no rush to exit.
Autobrake 2 is for the long but not huge runways or a quick exit.
Autobrake 3 is for bad conditions, VERY short runway or heavy load, most pilots manually do it at this stage though.
Autobrake MAX is only used in the most dire situations, bad landings where you touch down hard or what not. It does not slam the nosegear down, in most airplanes autobrakes actually don't kick in until the nosegear is down. You risk, especially on older airplanes, damaging the tires or the brakes if you use the Autobrake MAX setting.
RTO applies maximum sustainable brake power if the power is retarded to idle after takeoff power is attained. This will under most conditions blow the tires, but the brakes are normally still in good condition (for airplane brakes anyways) after it is all over.
Most airline pilots I know (myself included) immediately stomp on the brakes if something goes wrong, just a natural reaction we learned in smaller planes. In the Boeing jets, if the pilot applies any brakes during the takeoff roll the RTO setting automatically kicks to the OFF setting. Which works for us, we can apply more brake pressure and can vary it as necessary (if the airplane is stopped using the RTO setting, it is extremely uncomfortable, like slamming the brakes on in a car or throwing into first doing like 80 in a manual, you get tossed all over the place).

Hope it helps.

Well at 14 you are already on your way, just keep up and stay motivated. I got my PPL in High School, finished my Instrument also. Rest of my licenses from the Air Force. Quick and easy!

Ahh you could do great in the Air Force. Race isn't a problem. Some of the best people (and definetly the best First Sergeants) I ever met were African American. And as a flight instructor I trained plenty of pilots.

Honestly, African Americans take more time, they WANT to earn the license, not just fight with the plane. They want to enjoy the flight and do it right. I have actually had an African American student tell me he wanted to continue flying so he could do it right.

My advice to you:

I understand not wanting to join the AF, I don't like being pushed around and yelled at either. I also don't like putting my life at risk for anything. Work hard in school and go to college, major in something you like and will make loads of money; you'll probably need it.  Save your pennies, don't waste them on booze, cigarettes, loud stereos, big rims, loud exhaust pipes and other useless crap for you car.