It’s a great idea.

Fair dinkum.

“Aviate, navigate, communicate.” In that order.

That’s a good way of putting it.

Not “everything” actually. Modern systems mean few situations involve completely automatic response. In very critical cases, the initial actions are from indeed memory, but they are then followed by careful analysis and use of printed procedures. It’s surprising how much you need to “slow down” in an emergency.

Use push up handles.

Years ago I bought a Logitech webcam. Didn’t think much about the little movable flap to cover it as a feature.

It absolutely was one of the findings. However either way the procedure would not have helped. The engines were probably toast and either way from that altitude they weren’t going to be restarted whatever happened.

Not quite as obsessive about following io9 as we are? ;)

You might be referring to the Miracle on the Hudson, when the pilots went through the dual engine flame-out procedure, which is designed for engine flame-out in cruise.

This movie is way too good for Vimeo. ;)

I know this is half in jest, but seriously...

The music when Yara and Dani shake to seal the deal? Very triumphant.

He’s a boy and has had little training in this kind of thing. Scared witless, most likely.

Absolutely true. However it is true for any control system not just electronics. A cable and pulley system brake control system for a car need not demonstrate very great fault tolerance compared to a cable and pulley aileron control system.

Certainly electronics may be less than 100% reliable, but mechanics are not 100% either. If it is statistically more reliable given the prevailing operating conditions, does it matter whether it runs with cables and pulleys, electronic signaling or magic?

I’m willing to bet the main reason is a lower price.

Electronics may be cheaper to both manufacture and maintain. Also electronics can be (should be) designed to detect faults in their own functioning.

I see your point, but technology has progressed to the point where electrically actuated stuff is comparably reliable to mechanical (and probably cheaper). Also with an electric/electronic systems you can have the system self-detect faults on the electronic bits.