RK Henry writes:

There is one potential advantage to computer enhanced control for
civil aviation: fuel economy.

Yes, but you could still build a system that the pilot can override
and yet preserve fuel economy. Autopilots and flight computers are
existing examples of this. Overriding them requires only the press of
a button, or (in some cases) merely a movement of the controls by the
pilot.

We can build more efficient airframes, but they're often unstable.

Why would a more efficient airframe be unstable? Something that
requires constant computer surveillance to stay in the air likely has
some aerodynamic instabilities, which implies sources of drag or lift
that would sap energy from the powerplant. Gliders require very
little energy.

FBW offers the promise of allowing airplanes to use less fuel. That's too
important a benefit to ignore, but we can't sacrifice safety in the
process.

Corporations don't care about safety.

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