Quote:
Originally Posted by Talking Heads
This is the nub of the problem, if instruments and control systems fail pilots struggle to know wtf is going on.
Instruments are essential in cloud and at night where there is no visual reference with the ground.
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There is something to be said for having an 'emergency' display of basic instruments for use when the complicated electronic stuff packs up so just airspeed, climb or dive and artificial horizon - from what I have seen once a small error occurs the crew can be overwhelmed by 'error' messages scrolling up the VDU screen and the real cause is hidden somewhere in them.
Some functions today can be driven by stuff not even on the aircraft, eg ground speed and altitude can be worked out from GPS satellite data. Every Rolls-Royce engine has contact with satellites and relay information back to Derby, sometimes Rolls Royce contact airline companies to tell them they have an engine problem before the crew knows anything is wrong..