Autopilot is a computer program, a "controller" in programming jargon. There is a broad range of operating parameters that this controller must operate over, and the controller would have to make calculations of input versus response over temperature, altitude, humidity, load, etcetera.

In essence, the autopilot would have identified unsafe conditions only if it were "smart". When the autopilots get to that level, when it can recognize subtle variations in response that are only attributable to icing conditions, it will have become a completely autonomous, self-aware robot that can fly itself, take off and land, all without a pilot.

I expect that day to be within 25 years. We've seen the results of the DARPA challenge (autonomous vehicles tested in the desert) and the huge improvements that have been made. We also know that the stealth bomber is already flown by the computer, with the pilot only providing high level direction (the aerodynamics are not stable, only the computer can provide enough feedback to maintain flight).

Of course, the aviation industry suffers from, and is a benefactor of FAA qualification requirements. Even if this autonomous autopilot (the autopilot was invented in 1912 and first demonstrated in 1914) were introduced today, it would be years before it was qualified, longer still for acceptance.

I just thought of something -- what would a run on Citi Deposits look like?

Not only do foreign wealth funds buy stock in Citi, they also deposit money in Citi -- large scale foreign wealth fund withdrawals being used to stimulate their respective economies are a possibility. I don't think anyone wants to be holding Citi stock when that happens, especially, our US government!

...Dan

Is the "board" based on the name-game? There are rhymes and shared syllables and tangential links -- but I'm having a hard time figuring out the "rules" to it beyond that.

...Dan

The "Kite" effect is the same as the Bernoulli effect. In looking at the incident traces on an inverted airfoil, you'll see that the location where the airflow separates (between up and down) moves down the foil with higher angle of attack, which, in effect gives the upper path a longer distance to travel, and creates the same vacuum. Yes, it won't be nearly as efficient as flying right side up.

At an air show over 10 years ago, I saw a Toyota-sponsored aerobatics plane flying sideways, using the fuselage and rudder to provide ALL the lift for steady, sideways flight, pretty cool.

...Dan

I just flew on a full flight with over 180 people and the same on the way back -- most everyone on the plane slept, or watched the movie and ate snacks. In my experience flying, people aren't discussing the conspiracy theories you mention.

It's like anything else, you spend 90% of your time and effort on the 5% out there who are louder, and kookier than everyone else. Patrick, they are idiots and crackpots, you should just delete their letters and ignore them.

Yes, the fact Renlow failed 5 simulator tests is very disturbing -- Colgan seems to operate like so many corporations where everyone follows the procedures but nobody actually taking responsibility. The bad thing with procedures is it does free you from real responsibility.

...Dan

This, like so many, was a horrible privatization of Chrysler by Cerberus. Any honest evaluation of Chrysler assets would have revealed what the bankruptcy courts are exposing today -- that the company was never worth $7B and the bonds used to buy it were horribly at risk.

The bond brokers blame the union, not their own incompetence -- a red herring really.

The truth is, they're right for the wrong reason, in this case they should never have sold these bonds because it was a shitty investment, and, yes, the company would have been worth more without those shitty union contracts.