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Old 15th Jun 2009, 13:13
  #1581 (permalink)  
Desertia
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Bahrain
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The Human element

As nothing more than a curious member of the SLF, I've obviously not posted my groundless theories on what could have happened, preferring to read the myriad of alternatives offered on here, and keeping an open mind given that it's obvious that there is still insufficient evidence to identify the cause of this crash.

But one thing I would like to say, having been in the IT field in a variety of positions over the years, is that you cannot underestimate the risk of human error, or at least limitations in putting together the millions of line of code required to automate something as complex as flight.

I remain of the opinion that, irrespective of the causes of this accident, I would still rather an experienced pilot have a piece of wire or hydraulics controlling the various surfaces under unusual conditions than having one or more computers trying to work it out.

Artificial intelligence still does not - and probably will not for decades to come, unless there is a magnificent leap in technology - mirror the ability of the human brain to eschew logic and do what thousands of hours of flying, and experience of abnormal circumstances allow, which is, for want of a better word, THINK.


Best wishes to all, and the efforts of you chaps up the front are always greatly appreciated.
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