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From: Duane Allen <c177av8r@pacbell.net>
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Subject: Re: [LML] Re: Non-Certified Aircraft
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Well, actually, yes.  The main difference in that and commercial
aircraft now is that there are two pilots up front whom one of is
supposed to be awake at all times to monitor the computers that fly the
airplane.  And of course, when out of radar contact with the controlling
agency, reporting lat/long regularly.
I'm sure you've read the stories of center not being able to reach an
aircraft for long periods of time.  This often happens when all flight
deck crew fall asleep at the same time.  Of course, they claim radio
failure.
I've entered the flight deck and found the pilot asleep, the first
officer reading a magazine (while dozing) and the flight engineer
asleep.  Did it bother me?  Not really.  Once the computer takes over,
usually passing 50ft. agl, it is all automatic thereafter.  Once on
final, one of them pushes the pilot disconnect button and lands the
airplane.
I have not personally landed a UAV by computer, but have watched it
happen.  We will be there before too long.  We are just a lot more
conservative in our operations than the companies who are demonstrating
hands off on take off to landing.  The company which builds the UAVs we
are flying also built the one which flew across the Atlantic with fuel
remaining.  Granted, not much, but there was fuel in the tank when it
landed.
I know this is off subject, but you asked here.  
This thread is closed as far as I am concerned.
duane


Marvin Kaye wrote:
> 
> Posted for Micah Froese <micah@froese.com>:
> 
>   Would you ride in that UAV across the Atlantic in bad weather?
> 
>   Micah Froese
> 
> 
> """
> That is not all that far away.  We are doing that now with
> UAVs.  There is a person monitoring the flight with a computer, in my case a
> laptop.  duane UAV flight test director ARC
> """
> 
> --
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