American Airlines Flight 587

[GotAnyPins]

Who is watching the news this morning?

 

[aero99]

Please see later post... I have removed this one, because I wanted to include an explanation.

 

[BeautyLLM]

Why does the fact that it is an Airbus mean that it wouldn't be a terrorist act??

 

[aero99]

Ok, so flying an airbus is VERY VERY different from flying a Boeing aircraft. Airbus planes are designed statically unstable. This means, it is extremely difficult for the pilot to control it. So Airbus has a computer system that runs it. There safety design is that the computer system is 4 times redundant. Now Boeing aircraft are designed statically stable. The pilot can control the aircraft if they loose their computer system. So far, going through the terrorist lives and what they did before September 11, they only found training on an Boeing simulators.

Also, the fact that the airbus lost an engine. Either way this is a tradegy!

addition: I should note that I am an engineer NOT a pilot. This is what I have learned in classes and from co-workers. I would love for a pilot to confirm this, or correct me. My initial contribution was just my gut feeling. Originally CNN was reporting it was a Boeing 767 and my heart sank. When they said it was an Airbus, I have to admit, I was relieved.

 

[BeautyLLM]

Thanks for explaining all that Aero. So you are basically saying that there is no indication that any of the previous terrorists had trained on this type of plane and if the pilots lost control for any reason, the computers would take over..is that right?

I was just thinking that I was supposed to take the kids on the train today to visit NYC, but we drove in yesterday instead. I think I'd be stranded on a train right about now.....

Leslie

 

[aero99]

I am not certain about how the computer works, but I am pretty sure that if someone tried to take control, it would be in no way easy for them to do what they did on September 11. I also have not heard of any terrorist trying to train on an airbus.

I grew up in Connecticut and always used to take the computer train from New Haven into NYC. I don't think that train would be any fun to be stuck on. I am glad things worked out for you and your family.

 

[BeautyLLM]

Where did you live in Connecticut, Aero? I live in Orange, but grew up in North Haven.

Leslie

 

[aero99]

I grew up in Madison, but my parents now live in Ledyard. I am familiar with North Haven and Orange's shopping areas only. I can remember going to the Price Club in North Haven a lot.

CNN is now reporting that there was an explosion on board. I have to admit that my gut is still telling me this is not a terrorist act. If it was a bomb, I think the aircraft would have come down in more pieces. I guess we will all have to stay tuned.

 

[Beverly Lynn]

it seems to have been mechanical not terroristic

 

[fantasmickey]

Just adding support to Beverly's observation...the DC10 which crashed here (O'Hare) in 1979 was determined to have lost it's engine in like manner. Though configuration changes have been made, initial evaluations indicate it's quite possible that a similar failure/fault with the Airbus may be a/the primary cause. Sorrow and devastation of this kind are bad enough. The terrible fear of more terrorism, I hope, need not be added to this tragedy. My heart goes out.....


Jeanie