Topic: Airbus Automation

The hosts examine the transition to the NextGen air traffic control system, which relies on ADS-B transponders and increased computerization. Curry argues that removing human decision-making from the cockpit in favor of automated systems is a dangerous mistake. He predicts that software glitches and the unintended consequences of technology will eventually lead to fatal aviation accidents as computers take over separation and navigation tasks.

A 2014 incident involving an Airbus A320 near Pamplona is cited, where the aircraft unexpectedly pitched down and descended 6,000 feet due to blocked angle of attack probes. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) subsequently released new flight crew procedures to address this specific automation failure. The hosts suggest that a similar technical malfunction is a plausible alternative to the pilot suicide theory.