Silicon Valley plans to stop skyjackings...all of them.

ZDNET news desk ^ | 9/13.01 | David Coursey

[janus]

For edification and discussion.

[anniegetyourgun]

Sounds completely reasonable to me.

[goodnesswins]

Sounds reasonable to me, also, HOWEVER, I heard that these terrorists were able to yank out the piece of equipment that allowed the control towers to track them, and I'm wondering if the same could be done with this panic button apparatus, once it's been used?

[america76]

No automated system in existence can land a plane without a pilot. Wind speed and direction, other weather condiions, the planed loaded weight etc. make this nearly impossible. No computer program can land a plane there are too many variables that only a skilled pilot can handle. Ask any pilot and he will tell you every take off and landing is unique. One program will never fit all.

[ConservChristian]

This is all great but why can't we just seal the door to the cockpit?

[_Jim]

I heard that these terrorists were able to yank out the piece of equipment that allowed the control towers to track them,

Geesh! They TURNED OFF the transponder for Pete's sake!

You know, with an "ON/OFF button"?

WHY, you ask, have an ON/OFF button?

A transponder isn't needed on the ground (during taxi operations, moving to a hanger for maintenance, etc) - but *is* turned on just prior to take off ...

[pointsal]

well let's hear something from the airline industry....

[CFIIIMEIATP737]

What about hazardous weather? What sort of test would be required of the system before each flight, both aircraft and ground-based facilities? Can no human override the system if the descent and landing is less than perfect? What insurance underwriter is willing to take the risk in case of failure? Gunfire aboard an airplane is not that bad, except for people. So what if a few bullets penetrated the fuselage? All pressurized airplanes leak, some worse than others. Pressurization itself is nothing more than a regulated leak.

[Gladwin]

Probably not on modern airplanes with fly by wire technology. The flight stick is connected to the computer, and makes all these airplanes fly alike. By that, I mean that with fly by wire, a 747 and a 777 "feel" the same when you use the flight stick. Probably some pilots on here can better. Older airplanes like DC-9s would have trouble (hydraulics connections to the rudders, etc.).

This is a really good idea!!!

[Leisler]

Why can't they tie in the same system used to takeoff, fly and land the various, unmaned spycraft we fly. The "pilots" sit in a van.

[Mr. K]

hmmm interesting idea- and once the panic button is hit an air force fighter jet immediately is sent to take a look-see...

[Servant of the Nine]

It works for El Al.

I think 90% of todays pilots would quit before flying a plane that was locked on autopilot.

[anniegetyourgun]

Afterthought....what if two planes are on auto to land at nearest airport - that would present a problem. Could be set to autopilot only to intended destination instead.

Of course, all of this wouldn't keep someone bent on targeting (through suicide mission) planes just to take hundreds of civilians out.

[Servant of the Nine]

When the Sky Marshals were first instituted, Glaser Safety slugs were invented. They are increadibly destructive on soft tissue, but break up and will not penetrate an airplane window or fuselage. I use them in my house gun, because they will not penetrate sheetrock walls.

So9

[jackbill]

All that we need is two or so loaded commercial airliners in "safe-mode" heading for the same airport.

[El Sordo]

"One program will never fit all"

Will likely stand next to: "Man will never fly."

Unless I'm mistaken, the Navy has had an auto-landing system for a while now.

[CWRWinger]

"...raised other millions in order to save United Way in San Jose.."

He may be technically smart, but he sure isn't wise. He raised millions for United Way's advertising/fund raising buddies and their management's girlfriends and vacations.

United Way is a leftwing joke, and the joke's on the people of this country.

[CFIIIMEIATP737]

Thank you, Servant. I did not know that. On many internet sights people are talking about the destruction of the aircraft if a bullet penetrates the fuselage and I couldn't take it anymore. Had to put in my two bits. Freepers, don't stay up too late tonight. We all need to be in church in the morning.

[Gladwin]

Auto-pilots can already land airplanes, and have done so for more than 10 years.