Thanks Jungle. That's what it had seemed to me, only circumstantial evidence with no definite proof of keying in new flight path. From what I can tell, they are assuming because certain waypoints were threaded, the assume it was programmed, but seems possible to fly those points via a hand held GPS or something. I don't understand why these guys on the news are so matter of fact about FMS reprogramming?

We may safely assume reporters are trying to get some factual information here. We may also assume they have noted our disdain for the reporting so far.

Help them if you can but keep OPSEC in mind and BEADWINDOW.

even the old guys are trolling for info.

I like it, Jungle. That's right up there with "AF's water desalinate facility is inop". :)

GF:
Thanks for the clarification on when they began looking. I had gotten the impression it was much, much later - not when the first handoff was missed or soon thereafter.
I also didn't understand that the ACARS system transmitted info about waypoints or waypoint changes. That makes sense and explains why some things are reported as being assured, I guess.

Regarding the transponder being off... if it isn't normally turned off, then I guess that, coupled with a reported change in waypoints sways my personal opinion away from it being a mechanical emergency.

I hope enough facts are eventually discovered and disclosed to provide an answer as to what probably happened, and I still hope it ends up being that it was something "innocent," though that seems improbable.

TheDude:
I know you didn't mention me specifically, but just in case you do wonder about me - I'm not a reporter. My profession of 27 years is LEO, which definitely influences how I ask questions and how I process what's reported. Sorry if it "smells" fishy, but mine definitely isn't a reporter smell.

Sorry to break the news to ya, JJ21, but the oil rig story is also bogus, he was 370 nautical miles and we'll beyond the horizon at the point the plane was supposed to be a fireball.

GF

Looks like we are getting conflicting info, jungle seems to think it is speculation, and there is no way of knowing for certain. (see above) I also just asked an FMS design buddy of mine about this and he is not aware of this sort of ACARS messaging. Said he would to check on it. Speaking of reporters, just now a guy on the news that was being interviewed essentially said it was bunk that we know for certain the FMS was reprogrammed. Newscaster shut him down fast, (was ruining his whole news drama)

I'll never forget the Rodney King incidents in LA, the riots, loss of life and property, the way CNN handled the whole thing and was never held responsible for any of it - and that is but one incident among many. So no, of course not. But at least a precedent may have been established during the Travon Jackson/George Zimmerman case when NBC got sued for their blatant alteration of digital media. Hope they are proven innocent.

Meant the pilots, not the media.

Does anyone screen new APC account applicants for credentials? For crying out loud! Some of these people are asking questions a private pilot should know. Clearly the AIM is a document that can be researched online. It's fine to lurk as a non-pilot, but the 3 page posts of nothing but elementary questions about SAR and other established procedures contribute nothing to the discussion.

Mods can anything be done here?