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Ask HN: Why do airlines still use "black boxes" ?

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Re: Ask HN: Why do airlines still use "black boxes" ?

#91

Earlier quoted context omitted.

"Then why not have garlands of frag grenades hanging on the ceiling as part of every bank's security system?" Because that would have significant side effects. Since parachutes are pretty much useless on airliners anyway, no significant side effects from banning them.

Which airlines are you flying that seem to have ridiculously spacious cabins?

I don't understand why you're asking me that--I'm not the one arguing for parachutes.

Re: Ask HN: Why do airlines still use "black boxes" ?

#92

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Which airlines are you flying that seem to have ridiculously spacious cabins?

I don't understand why you're asking me that--I'm not the one arguing for parachutes.

Ah, I re-read your comment. Sorry, I thought you were saying that there was no side effect in allowing them on the plane, to which I was pointing out that space is a serious side effect.

lol, it's pre coffee reading that will do me in everytime.

Re: Ask HN: Why do airlines still use "black boxes" ?

#93
Redundancy is cheap.

Keep the present system and add a second automatically jettisoned flash memory copy of all data that is designed to float if at sea. It would also transmit a signal that would include its GPS location if possible.

Jettisoning could be set to occur at a given altitude, a given set of data values or a given acceleration/deceleration values.

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