Hi Guys.. I'd like to ask a question on the subject of pitots. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think that it is now accepted that thedisaster originated because of faulty inputs to the control systems fromthe iced up pitot tubes ? It appears to me that this is one factor which disables any automaticnavigation/control system in aircraft. I appreciate that airspeed isTHE most important component in flight. In this technological age, is it not possible to build a passableemergency backup for airspeed indication at these altitudes - employing GPS, with inputsfrom current weather/wind/jetstream readings along an aircraft's path ? Or is it an economic decision - that it would cost so much ? Has this option ever been considered ?I'm also thinking of that other 737 ? accident involving insects blockingthe pitot ?I've always wondered why we rely on such a basic device for such a technicallyadvanced mode of travel. Bill Cusick

You would need to know the exact weather conditions at the plane's location.

GPS is way too imprecise -- constant, immediate input is needed. The pitot tube is a very simple and (usually) reliable device, and simplicity is good. Better methods of detecting & preventing icing would perhaps be the direction to explore, if they could be found.

This time, we set the aircraft up on the autopilot, then we pulled the power back, then the instructor engaged us in non-essential conversation. We turned around, talked about football until suddenly, "clack clack clack beep beep beep pow!" went the shaker and the pusher and the sim tumbled forward. From that point on, the goal of the stall training was to first drop the football conversation...

Surely a better way to train. Rather like having to make your approach while someone holds a cigarette lighter under your nose. Next time you're being checked out it might be worth suggesting to the instructor that he could add more confusion by distracting the pilot before throttling back himself. No, I'm not taking the mickey. I think the closer you can get in a simulation to that 'What the hell's going on?' point, the better the result will be when you have to take control of the plane back from the electronics. I suppose it might have helped those poor souls in the AF Airbus too. D