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An airplane that can fly itself (Autonomous Vehicle)

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Unknown_Target

Active Member
Joined
Apr 20, 2017
Messages
38
Location
Somerville
Check this out. Diamond is developing a system whereby a user can input a distress code and the aircraft will find where it is and fly itself to a nearby airport.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1Juf-RynUo

Ok, I already know the first comments, so I'll get them out of the way:

1) It's another point of failure.
2) It's a computer system which can be unreliable.
3) It's no replacement for good pilot training.
4) It might not work 100% in all situations.
5) It's probably too expensive for me to buy it/it's probably not available for purchase.
6) Poor pilot training could make the problem worse (ex: deploying a ballistic parachute when too low/too fast).

My immediate counter:

Yes to all of the above, but it will improve safety in the situations where it was designed to work and the pilot (or passenger) is appropriately trained in its limitations.

More importantly, if we want general aviation to spread to more people then systems like this are necessary for peace of mind and for the eventual reality that exists even today, where pilots aren't completely up to date on their training.
 
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