On the subject of Datalink, although I have no experience of it, I can't see that it can be quicker than verbal commication.
I imagine that from the time that I decide I want to give an instuction in my head, I would have to:-
click on an a/c, select the type of instruction, click on climb or descend, click the desired level, select any level by restriction, confirm the instruction and then send. The pilot would then have to see the instruction and then send an acknowledged reply which I would then also have to see.
How would that be quicker than saying " C/S descend FL250 level by LOGAN" , "Roger descending FL250 Level by LOGAN, c/s"
Please correct me if that is not how it works.
On the subject of fully automated ATC, when will we learn that humans are NOT good system monitors. Our concentration levels always lapse when we are asked to do boring and monotonous tasks like checking that a computer is doing it's job properly.
History is littered with disasters caused by this very fact.
Humans are far better when they have to think about what they are doing, formulating plans and activley problem solving. Sure we make mistakes, but we are also in a far better position to spot and correct those mistakes if it is us that have made them!
Last edited by Slippers; 5th August 2003 at 04:07.