[annalex]

Technology exists to authenticate wireless network traffic (e.g. RADIUS, going into Windows XP). That's to say, the plane's autopilot won't respond to anyone but the control tower personnel.

[5by5]

Microsoft+Security. An oxymoron if ever there was one. I think you just burned your own argument.

Besides, when you say "control tower" who exactly do you refer to? Departure, arrival, mulitple enroute controllers, every controlled airspace along the route (Class B, C, and D)? On a cross-country flight you could have 100 seperate control towers. No thanks.

RE:Technology exists to authenticate wireless network traffic (e.g. RADIUS, going into Windows XP). That's to say, the plane's autopilot won't respond to anyone but the control tower personnel.