Originally Posted by
futurama
Why not?
Open source software is already used as a basis for (and/or incorporated in) safety critical systems in other industries, including nuclear, medicine, automotive, etc. Why not in aviation?
Just because the source is open doesn't mean the process behind it can't be as rigorous (or even more rigorous) than closed source development.
If the source code and associated documentation on MCAS had been mirrored to (say) GitHub, maybe someone from the industry or academia could have commented on its flaws before hundreds of people perished.
Sorry, but this is right in my bailiwick. Open Source can not be used in many critical industries unless it is fully supported with a meaningful support contract in place. Take the financial industry, for example. Certainly in the EU all software used in banks etc must have fully licensed and supported software on *all* platforms. This is fully audited on a regular basis. It is absolutely a regulatory requirement for holding a licence.
I would be horrified at the thought of such critical systems as transport, medicine and others were allowed to cut corners by using Open Source software in key areas.