Question about Flight 370

[Jenoch]

Something just occured to me. If the engine data can be continuously transmitted via satellite to Rolls Royce, why can't the flight recorded data, both front and rear, be continuously transmitted via satellite back to the ariline headquarters' computers?

[sofa king]

1. That question is being asked a lot.

https://medium.com/evidence-base/47c7e89600ba

As usual, it's about money and a monopoly using its undue influence to maintain the status quo.

Also as usual, for reasons the perversity of the universe is reticent to reveal, the problem is centered in Florida.

L3 Aviation Recorders has done a really good job of scrubbing itself from mention in Wikipedia, often the first sign of trouble.

[newfie11]

2. Good point.

Interesting to see any answers

[Shivering Jemmy]

3. Cost/benefit

Crashes happen so infrequently and black boxes are frequently found...so there isn't a lot of incentive to spend money on a system that will almost never be used.

[Jenoch]

4. The cost/benefit answer does make sense.