I've written some software specifications. Computer reboot time, just in debugging exceeds response time available during an incident, before it becomes an accident. Also, the pilot can't be trained in what to expect during computer problems if there is a human, besides the flight crew, in the mix. The computer geek would be a wild card that the crew shouldn't have to deal with. Plus, you'd have to add weight back in for himself and his provisions, in addition to the computer weight.
Besides, if you introduce the third crew member back into the mix, one could make the case to get rid of the heavy and complex computers. All you'd really want in that case is FADEC to trim the engines for best fuel flow.
Last edited by ClippedCub; 16th Jun 2009 at 19:31.