In Windows at least, neither Pcbnew nor Eeschema responds to the usual Windows convention of accessing the menu bar. The convention to which I refer is holding down the ALT key while pressing the letter corresponding with the desired menu. For example, ALT-f for the File menu.
Instead, currently the only way to use the keyboard to access the menu is to press, then release the ALT key, then press the desired key.
To confuse issues, the 3D viewer works as expected/desired...and then so does Pcbnew when focus is passed back from 3D view to Pcbnew! But, this change of behavior (to the conventional way) only persists during the period of time when 3D view was the lost-focus window. Subsequent change of focus to Pcbnew reverts to the undesired way.
I must say - you people have done a WONDERFUL thing with this program - it is really terrific!!! I've only been using it a month, but each day I find some new thoughtful feature. As a long time programmer, a great big tip of my hat to you all!!!
...Shel Michaels
I should have mentioned - my system is Windows XP SP3, and the Pcbnew build is (2012-01-19 BZR 3256)