Belgian journalist Tom Dieusaert investigated several high-profile accidents wherein the plane’s on-board computers went crazy on the pilots: Air France Flight 447, AirAsia Flight Q8501, Lufthansa Flight 1829 and Qantas Flight 72. Dieusaert has carried out an exhaustive probe into the world of modern aviation, flying laws and avionics and he introduces the reader to the subject with an enthralling tale of how the first fly-by-wire aircraft was conceived and how this technology gradually pushed pilots out of the cockpit. “Computer Crashes” is a fascinating story… one you are not likely to read in your average on-board flight magazine.
Dieusart's book offers much more than a glimpse into the world of "fly by wire" and its pro and cons. An awful lot of research must have gone into this book, and the findings are told in language that speaks to the average (but interested) reader. Intelligent "conversations"can be found here on the philosophy of airlines and airliner manufacturers who have to balance business and safety, a fact albeit an uncomfortable one. A very good read!