Mailing List lml@lancaironline.net Message #32204
From: Hamid A. Wasti <hwasti@starband.net>
Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] Non-Certified Aircraft
Date: Sat, 01 Oct 2005 10:53:41 -0400
To: <lml@lancaironline.net>
BILL HANNAHAN wrote:

Run in the background taking action only when it detects danger, or

I am sure you have seen the video of the famous Airbus crash at the Paris airshow when the SAP decided that it was going to land regardless of what the pilot wanted and crashed into the trees.

Be turned off when you want to buzz your girlfriend’s house, but if you screw up the accident report will note that you turned it off.

If you through that your actions would result in an accident report, would you ever take those actions?  The fact that you have decided to turn off the SAP to buzz the girlfriend's house indicates that you believe that the actions are safe and the threat of a dishonorable mention in your obituary will not be a relevant consideration.

This may sound like pie in the sky but no breakthroughs are required to do it. The hardest part would be writing the software to accomplish these goals under any combination of conditions and not screw up. One could start with the easiest functions and add on as experience is gained. The software for true fly by wire is much more critical and has been successfully accomplished by several engineering groups on several aircraft, with some bumps along the way.

I am sorry to say that you have a very rosy view of technology that is not even remotely in touch with the reality of what is possible.  If such technology was possible, pilots would go the way of milk men and all Boeing and Airbus airplanes will be flown without anyone in the cockpit.

Regards,

Hamid

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