re: 737max crashes in Ethiopia. Killing 157

I talked to an FO right after the Lion Air crash and he had a feeling that it was due to MCAS system (since I'm just a lowly plebian I had to ask what exactly that was). He (very politically) said something similar to what you said along with 'airmanship'.

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To me the whole issue is that the new plane design requires an MCAS in the first place. They stretched the 737 beyond its natural limit, creating problems requiring solutions that create additional problems. Like I said - this plane never should have been built.

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Just stop with this line of thinking. Every modern airplane relies heavily on technology and systems to stay flying safely. Read the linked explanation of Airbus flight controls. The last statement is key, a lot of training is required.



Normal Law

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China hasn't figured out how to make good engines yet.

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I would imagine that the metallurgy is really the only thing holding them back.

Then again, they've got F-22 clones too.

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they've got F-22 clones too.

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With shitty engines

I forget the details. I read about it over a year ago. Not as fuel efficient or as fast. Stuff like that. I know engine development has been a big focus for the Chinese.

Here's a good summary

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The F-22 is powered by afterburning turbofan F119-PW-100 engines, which enable it to super cruise at a speed of Mach 1.82. The engines have vectoring nozzles which enable it to perform agile manoeuvres event at supersonic speeds.

However, the engine is the J-20’s weakest link. Plans for China to develop its own advanced turbofan engines fell behind schedule. This meant the manufacturers had to rely on inferior engines – either the Chinese WS-10B or Russian-made AL-31FM2/3 – which severely affects its manoeuvrability and stealth capacity at supersonic speeds.

However, the new WS-15 engine, which is expected to be available next year, will go a long way to addressing this problem.

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Just stop with this line of thinking. Every modern airplane relies heavily on technology and systems to stay flying safely. Read the linked explanation of Airbus flight controls. The last statement is key, a lot of training is required.

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I’m well aware of the role computers play in modern aviation. You directing me to how Airbus operates is proving my point, not yours. I hate Airbus.

The 737 is the most successful plane design in history. Notably, its actual physical design flies very well. But the MAX is a departure from this. The higher and more forward engines cause the plane to physically create unexpected lift in certain circumstances - so they “fixed” this problem by installing a computer that counteracts the unexpected lift without any input from the pilot.

None of the other 737s need a computer to prevent a stall their generated by the plane’s physical design.


And for the record, I’m just an armchair pilot whose only exposure to aviation as anything other than a passenger is through books and a yearlong obsession with MH370. I am well aware that I’m talking out of my arse, but it’s still what I believe.

Had a neighbor that worked for the FAA for 40 years. He always told me that he'd never ride in an Airbus

All the FO had to do was let go of the joystick. So crazy how simple the solution was. There was also an issue with Boeings in the mid 90s(I believe) and the problem turned out to be a part the size of a coke can.