Originally Posted by Linebacker35
The idea of the plane flying itself in to the trees is stupid, guess what the pilots can do...... turn OFF the autopilot! its not a hard concept. The computer only controls the plane in auto pilot, like every other plane out there. If you want control, turn off the auto pilot! not hard
Sorry, but you are wrong Linebacker, As a Minibus Driver (319/320), one of the first things you learn is that when you disconnect the autopilot, you are still controlling the airplane through its many computers (ELACs, FCDCs, FCUs & SECs) via the sidestick controller. It has over 20 computers controlling the airplane at all times. Thats is what fly by wire is all about, no manual back up, just more computers.
I have flown both Boeings and Airbus. I like the B757-200 the best, because you can still turn everything off and fly the plane. That is not so with the Airbus. Many years ago, we had a pilot try to reset the flight control computers inflight, it did not work out well and a flight attendent was hurt (tossed around the cabin) during the reset. To make a long story short he no longer works in the industry.
My personal view is that Boeings are built to flown by pilots that use computers to make the workload less and the Airbus is built to managed by a computer operator who is also a pilot. Just my thoughts.
I am willing to fly both, but it all about pay rates now......
