FAA: Boeing 777s must get new software

[IDemo]

Source: Washington Post

ATLANTA -- The Federal Aviation Administration wants new software installed on Boeing 777s to prevent crews from inadvertently engaging the autopilot before takeoff.

The problem can result in a high-speed rejected, or aborted, takeoff and increase the chance of a runway overrun.

Boeing says the problem is rare - just nine reported instances of a rejected takeoff because of inadvertent engagement of the autopilot during the 777's 15-year service history. Two incidents occurred in January. There have been no runway overruns or injuries associated with the issue.

The airworthiness directive is to be published in the Federal Register on Wednesday. The rule, which applies to certain model 777-200, 777-200LR, 777-300, 777-300ER and 777F series airplanes, takes effect 15 days later.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/16/AR2010031603497.html

[enlightenment]

1. I kinda miss the days when pilots flew airplanes . . . nt

[AngryAmish]

6. I dissent

Soon airline pilots, truck drivers and other similar occupations will be replaced by robots. As a whole it will be safer.

[Giant Robot]

9. Suuurrrrrrre

Until it's Arnold Schwarzenegger knocking on your door, asking, "Sarah Connor?"

[enlightenment]

10. That day is a long, long way away.

Maybe when they can create a machine that can 'sense' as well as 'think'.

I'll stick with humans until then. ;)

[closeupready]

2. The 777 is very safe. That is actually my preferred aircraft.

But nothing is perfect, of course.

[strategery blunder]

3. This is what Boeing gets for outsourcing...

Mitsubishi must have subcontracted to Toyota. :evilgrin:

[Dogmudgeon]

4. Make it Linux, baby!

Here's a good one:

Ubuntu Linux

And there are several other excellent distributions ("distros").

--d!

[Angleae]

5. Why? These are very customized systems.

The software they use are specifically designed for this purpose. It isn't a generic system.

[high density]

7. What package provides the 777 operational support?

I must be missing that repository.

[bc3000]

8. You need to install Wine.

but it only supports 777 operational support 1.0 and there are some weird font issues.

[MindPilot]

11. They couldn't just put it in neutral?

:hide: