Originally Posted by
xxgunnerxx
I'm wondering if the autoland capability that most large transport jets have is really needed. How often are airplanes approaching their final destination that have visibilities of under half a mile? (maybe 1/20 flights?) So all those other times the system is not being used and creates a loss for the operator
I would say 1/500 flights. But the operators decide what is best, to divert, not to fly at all, or pay for an autoland. Imagine you divert, crew runs of of duty time and in 2 hours the weather clears up and you have customers waiting for the return flight. The costs are immense and so is the competitive advantages for those with autolands. That's why manufacturers developed and successfully sell autoland equipment. These days it a well proven, easily obtainable, and operationally very benefical technology.