European jet maker Airbus is taking an unprecedented step to expand
cockpit automation: onboard computers that will automatically maneuver
jetliners to avoid midair collisions, without any pilot input.

Known for its pioneering use of computers and software to push the
automation envelope, this time Airbus has decided to cross a new
threshold in replacing pilot decisions with computer commands. For the
first time, flight crews of Airbus planes will be instructed and trained
to rely on autopilots in most cases to escape an impending crash with
another airborne aircraft. Currently, all commercial pilots are required
to instantly disconnect the autopilot when they get an alert of such an
emergency, and manually put their plane into a climb or descent to avoid
the other aircraft.


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