Re:Planned GPS outages in southern California
by neurotech1 on Tuesday June 07, 2016 @05:33PM
(#11858076)
> Cruising at altitude is not that hard.
Not in RVSM airspace above FL290 (29,000 ft). In RVSM [0] airspace its required to have a functioning autopilot coupled to an altimeter of a certified accuracy (+- 65 feet)
Most pilots couldn't fly the required accuracy, that high up, for any length of time, with manual hand-flying. Even in a FBW airliner, it would be hard.
[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reduced_vertical_separation_mi...
Re:Planned GPS outages in southern California
by tinix on Wednesday June 08, 2016 @01:33AM
(#11860238)
The idea for FL290-FL410 is more to have a designated "highway" of sorts, where all craft are flying within the same system. There is no requirement for auto-pilot above FL410, for example... There are plenty of jets that can easily get that high, it's more about aerodynamics and engineering than pilot skill.
Re:Planned GPS outages in southern California
by tropo on Tuesday June 07, 2016 @08:30PM
(#11859174)
No, "Cruising at altitude is not that hard." isn't correct. That is the coffin corner:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffin_corner_(aerodynamics)
Being near the coffin corner is often desirable for performance reasons, but it sure isn't easy.
Cruising at altitude is not that hard. I'd be far more concerned if they were interfering with the various Instrument Landing Systems during inclement weather.
> Every, say hour you do it manually buys you a few hours of autopilot.
Most pilots already hand-fly in clear weather during landing and takeoff by default; somewhat for the reasons you suggest, but it's also the safer as it actively maintains pilot situational awareness.
You're generally only going to use the A/P during cruise, departure and approach or during instrument flight conditions.