The trouble is certification has been largely outsourced to the manufacturers. [0]

[0] https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/faa-faulted-for-ou...

I'm sure self-signed certificates go down a treat here on hackernews.

Is this true? Terrifying that a pilot can’t override the computer.

Wait until you learn about how the fly-by-wire system on Airbus works ;)

But A319/320/321s aren’t dropping out of the sky at an astonishing rate.

It may be the case that Airbus is simply better at building automation into the fabric of their aircraft from the ground up than Boeing.

That is probably true. Airbus pilots know and expect the computer to have the last word. Pilots of all planes are expected to know how to engage alternate law (more direct control) or disable specific parts of automation when necessary. I was going to say they are not doing too well at that, but then you only hear about it when they failed. In the same vein you don't hear much about automation saving lives.

I have a friend who is a commercial pilot and who doesn't like Airbus planes because he doesn't want to be overruled by a computer... Accident statistics are a wash between Boeing and Airbus, though.

Or that pilots in general do not know how to fly anymore. /s

It is possible override it, but pilots weren't trained on how.

https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/us-pilots-want-more...

I sure hope this additional training was provided after the Lion Air crash.

It can be overridden, but not solely using the stick. You have to press a button first.