Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: neolib who wrote (152609)	11/24/2004 5:33:40 PM
From: TimF	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

You could put a video camera in the cockpit but the idea that " every gun operators behaviour" could be "monitored for safety compliance" isn't practical. Tim

To: neolib who wrote (152609)	11/24/2004 5:36:51 PM
From: Jacob Snyder	Respond to of 281500

<why can't a $200K pilot be monitored > The pilot's union has a bit more clout than the 7/11 clerks. When people can figure out a way, they usually prefer not to be accountable for their actions. This is true, even for sober law-abiding citizens.

To: neolib who wrote (152609)	11/26/2004 12:09:07 AM
From: Maurice Winn	Respond to of 281500

<It bugs the heck out of me that the local 7/11 and most gas stations have video but airline cockpits don't. If minimum wage store clerks can be monitored to guard a few thousand bucks, why can't a $200K pilot be monitored to enhance the safety of 200 passengers?> cvrr.ucsd.edu <Qualcomm technology offers airborne security By Jennifer Davies STAFF WRITER October 30, 2001 With airline safety grabbing the headlines, Qualcomm made its own bid for attention yesterday, unveiling technology that would allow those on the ground to keep a constant eye on what's happening on an airplane. The wireless technology is based on the satellite system operated by Globalstar Telecommunications, which provides satellite phone service to 55,000 customers worldwide. The Globalstar Satellite Communications System uses 48 satellites and would allow for the real-time transmission of voice, data and video from airplanes. Current radio systems only provide for voice communications and can't give those on the ground a picture of what's going on throughout an aircraft. Qualcomm had been working on the airline satellite system for some time, with the effort originally focused on providing passengers with the ability to surf the Internet. However, few airlines were interested in laying out the cash for such a system, skeptical of its money-making potential. In the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Qualcomm realized the technology could also aid in airplane security, said Irwin Jacobs, the company's chairman and CEO. Jacobs declined to give the exact cost of the system, but said it would be economical for cash-strapped airlines to install and run. In addition, Jacobs said the system, at just 50 pounds, wouldn't add substantial weight to a plane, whether it be commercial or private. The antenna is less than 10 inches long and weighs less than two pounds. The airborne security system could work in tandem with airplanes' flight data recorders and black boxes, providing a backup of communications in case of an accident or hijacking. There have been preliminary discussions with many of the airlines, Jacobs said. Because the system is so new, he said, no firm deals have been struck. In two weeks, Qualcomm plans to demonstrate the technology in Washington, D.C., for government agencies and the airlines to gauge interest in the system. If consumers feel more secure, they might be more willing fly again, Jacobs said. In addition, airlines could potentially add revenue by offering the Internet on flights. Yesterday's demonstration showed the airborne satellite system's ability to send e-mail, instant messages, picture attachments, at the same time that a video feed beamed the movements of those in the cockpit and the cabin. Jacobs made his comments from an airport hangar near Lindbergh Field, while the airplane and its passengers flew to Yuma, Ariz. ...continued... > Mqurice