A Level 1 AOA clarification

Yes, *if* the AOA is effectively communicated to the pilot.

You're really just talking about a more effective stall warning
system. Fine.

But a simple AOA detector that will directly reduce

Hypothesis. Skydivers point out that in spite of all the new safety
equipment they have these days, the fatality rate stays about the
same. People will always push the limits to achieve what they
consider an "acceptable" risk.

Consider that the unstallable airplanes such as the Ercoupe didn't
show any improvement in accident rates.

Just throwing up our arms while people continue to
die is not good enough.

The sure-fire way to reduce the fatality rate is to add ballistic
parachutes to our aircraft....no, wait, that hasn't worked either.
;-)

I don't know the solution to the problem. It may be an unavoidable
aspect of our freedom to fly.

Greg Esres wrote:
Yes, *if* the AOA is effectively communicated to the pilot.

You're really just talking about a more effective stall warning
system. Fine.

Both really (indicator and stall warning), but yes, a more effective stall
warning system would literally be the life saver.


But a simple AOA detector that will directly reduce

Hypothesis.

Are you contradicting your previous comment: "Some studies I've seen have
shown that pilots are often oblivious to warning horns and lights, though
stick shakers are effective."?


The sure-fire way to reduce the fatality rate is to add ballistic
parachutes to our aircraft....no, wait, that hasn't worked either. ;-)

I see the parachute guys got a mention on CNN. I wonder if/when the
research will start about the effect they have on a pilot's thinking,
decision making, and risk assesment. I know one was 'fired' when an aileron
became detached - was the plane really uncontrollable? Maybe, I'm not going
to doubt the pilot's remarks. But what about the other ones, and the
accidents where a pilot *perhaps* fly into 'unsuitable' conditions. BTW:
I'm also writing this in future tense.


I don't know the solution to the problem. It may be an unavoidable
aspect of our freedom to fly.

I'd like to think it's a solvable problem, or at least reducable.

Hilton

Are you contradicting your previous comment: "Some studies I've seen
have shown that pilots are often oblivious to warning horns and
lights, though stick shakers are effective."?

No, the discussion has vacillated between AOA indicators and warnings;
there is more justification for improved warnings than for indicators
which won't be used.

BTW, I do agree that AOA indicator would be *useful* in the right
hands (precise short field landings, e.g.), but I don't think it will
make much of a dent int he stall/spin accidents.

I'd like to think it's a solvable problem, or at least reducable.

Planes that fly themselves? ;-)