News Pilot dies flying plane to the US

[Moonwalker]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8107838.stm

The pilot was allegedly 60 years old by the way, which I could not find in this article.

It is nonsense that the airplane would be difficult to land by one pilot only. It works perfectly in the simulator, so does it in reality. Unlike many journalists say and hype the whole thing as usual, the safe landing had absolutely nothing to do with luck, just like the crews calmness and professionalism also was nothing special. They were just doing their jobs (this is what passengers pay for and can take for granted). Also, on most long haul flights, cruise relief co-pilots are actually senior first officers (fully licensed ATPL pilots).

 

[tl8]

While not likely, a pilot dying is not that bigger deal. If the plane was in a major emergency situation things might be different.

The media have hyped up alot of things lately.

 

[garyw]

The plane can land without any pilots thanks the the FMC.

However, "Plane lands successfully thanks to crew after Captain dies" doesn't sound as heroic as "Plane seconds from disaster after pilot dies at controls!!!"

Media is about spin and selling copies. Not about news.

 

[lennartsmit]

I wouldn't like sitting next to a body for the rest of the flight though.
Depends on when he died.

 

[Moonwalker]

The plane can land without any pilots thanks the the FMC.

Theoretically yes, pratically not really. It depends on the aircraft type and implemented FMC functions (ILS auto tuning for example). Then you still need a pilot who inserts the route, and enters the arrival and approach as well. But the arrival and approach depends on air traffic and ATC. You never know how you get guided into the approach by ATC. So the control usually is changed to the auto pilot functions before or at reaching the inital approach fix (which require pilots inputs) rather than to follow the FMC route.

 

[Andy44]

On Mythbusters they pretty much proved that a non-pilot can guide a jetliner to a landing by following instructions over the radio, Hollywood-style.

However, if you wish to test this out for real, let me know which plane not to get on first, please.

 

[Quick_Nick]

On Mythbusters they pretty much proved that a non-pilot can guide a jetliner to a landing by following instructions over the radio, Hollywood-style.

However, if you wish to test this out for real, let me know which plane not to get on first, please.

Don't forget about this: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/north_yorkshire/7715345.stm