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> in which planes' flight paths are set They're 'set' in the sense that if communications is lost between the pilot and ATC, there's a pre-determined and more
by akira2501 9y ago
> in which planes' flight paths are set
They're 'set' in the sense that if communications is lost between the pilot and ATC, there's a pre-determined and more importantly pre-authorized path for the aircraft to fly through.
> A plane on autopilot would never have to dodge a pedestrian
It happens quite a bit, which is why we invented TCAS. [1] A common misconception is that _all_ traffic is required to file a flight plan, and that's only true for IFR (instrument) traffic and not for VFR (visual) traffic. So, an IFR flight can, and will, encouter VFR flights that interfere with their flight.
> and would be separated from other planes by thousands of feet.
In certain situations, in transit regions and during clearance/delivery, this is not true.
1: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_collision_avoidance_system https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_collision_avoidance_sy...
- shanghaiaway 9y agoAn airplane has never had to dodge a pedestrian.
- jlgaddis 9y agoSince you said "never", I'll just mention that there are videos on Youtube from skydivers who would disagree with you.
- MertsA 9y agoAu contraire. https://flightsafety.org/runway-incursions-down/ https://flightsafety.org/runway-incursions-down/ But realistically it's not like all flights could be done completely on autopilot. It's not uncommon for a flight plan to change due to delays at an airport.
- greenyoda 9y agoBut it's not the autopilot that's taking evasive action, as would be the case in a self driving car. TCAS merely advises the pilot that there's traffic that's too close, and instructs the pilot to take evasive action (climb, descend, etc.).