New autopilot system could prevent another 911

[dolphin]

Scientists at aircraft giant Boeing are testing a tamper-proof
autopilot system which uses state-of-the-art computer and satellite
technology.

Boeing issued patent on new autopilot system

[Xairbusdriver]

My first inclination was to note the approaching date... Sunday in particular. And then I see a date in the 'attribution' line and now I'm even more confused. I think my email response is still valid, however!

[sandyman]

It would be useful if..

1) Every Airline used it
2) Every Aircraft manufacture implemented it
3) Every Government allowed it to be deployed
4) It actually works in practice

Sorry to be a Wet Blanket

[Xairbusdriver]

The only thing it would prevent is flying the aircraft INTO something or landing someplace other than the original destination. And even then, only if the pilot(s) are able to flip the switch. Since these (loosely identified as "human") terrorists are willing to destroy their own (useless) lives along with everyone else's, they can still destroy the aircraft with a bomb. This is the most costly, complicated and overly technological scheme I have ever heard of. It is a "committee-based" solution, and we know what most of those are like. :wackko: With so many possibilities for error and misuse I would never want to fly again. Not that I do it now, unless absolutely necessary, anyway. I still say, it's just an early April Fool's joke, and not a funny one.

[krissel]

That article was from 2006 and the technology for the system has existed long before that. I would suppose there is discussion as to whether to allow the computer any more control over flying than it already has.  We all know they aren't infallible.
I'll take a Capt. 'Sully' in the cockpit over some MS product any day.

More:
http://www.911blogger.com/news/2011-02-03/...oped-circa-2001