4 ms·

"Some flights were on the taxiway and diverted back to the terminal after the problem was detected" Why? You've checked these guys in, the baggage is loaded, t

• eli 13y ago
  Unable to calculate the weigh of the plane perhaps?
• a3n 13y ago
  The business is probably so computer-dependent that the business is essentially the software systems executing. Planes flying, at this point, are mere physical side effects of software systems executing. If your systems aren't executing, your business isn't running. Add in probable regulatory requirements that are also implemented by software, and that probably makes it illegal to fly.
  • neurotech1 13y ago
    It may have been relating to the Pilot Operating Handbook procedures the Airlines' Air Operators Certificate requires. They still have the means to manually calculate the weight/balance etc. Some (most?) airlines require the pilots to do a manual cross-check worksheet of the fuel, weight/balance and a few other safety of flight items, before they take-off. This helps avoids mistakes like over-rotation on takeoff etc. One particularly amusing case was in a 767, where the Captain handed a copy of the worksheet to a young girl who loved math problems, and was travelling in first class as a VIP. The young girl found a mathematical error in the worksheet. It turned out the flight computer had the fuel CG incorrect by 2-3% in certain cases, and both were incorrect. A quick call to Boeing, and 20 minutes later, fuel transferred and the flight proceeded. I suspect the Southwest aircraft returning to the gate, was a procedural abort, than a safely-of-flight issue.