Automated planes raising concerns
Article Abstract:
A new generation of automated aircraft is generated concern over whether a pilot's reliance on technology will impair performance during an emergency. The FAA and NASA are studying performance data in both traditional and automated cockpits to determine how to improve both pilot training and aircraft design. Computers on newer planes, such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing's 767, are able to control the speed, altitude and course of the plane much more accurately than a human can. When the computer fails, however, or when an emergency arises, critics believe pilots trained only with the new technology will not have the creative responses that more traditionally trained, seasoned pilots might have. FAA and NASA will also utilize a separate report on pilot performance and automation prepared by the airline industry.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1989
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Air controllers say computers show false images
Article Abstract:
Air traffic controllers complain that false images of other planes sometimes appear on airliner cockpit computers. An example of such an occurrence involving a United Airlines flight approaching O'Hare International Airport is described. The incident started when the airplane's Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (T-CAS) reported another airplane nearby. Consequently, the United flight tried to avoid a plane that was not actually there. US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials believe that a software problem might be the cause of this and similar occurrences and the agency is working to resolve these problems. The FAA says that safety is not affected. Representatives of the controllers' union are not as confident.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1991
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Electronic Data ends Continental Air offer
Article Abstract:
Electronic Data Systems Corp will not buy the System One reservation system from Continental Airlines Inc. Continental tries to negotiate the sale of several of its assets, including the $250 million reservation system, to offset high fuel costs and a decline in passenger travel. EDS, which is a division of General Motors Corp, will continue to manage the System One reservation system. Continental would not have made any money on the sale of the reservation system; it was planning to put the money in an escrow account for Eastern Airlines, which is being administered by a bankruptcy court, in an attempt to help that airline reorganize itself.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1990
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