Laptop computers have been implicated in the bizarre case of Northwest Flight 188, which last week overshot its destination by 150 miles before turning back to the airport at which it was supposed to land. It turns out that the laptop was used in the cockpit and is against the rules and Northwest says that they will soon be terminated for their transgressions pending the outcome of the investigation.

Details of the issue are still elusive and many are asking the question “is being distracted by a laptop in the cockpit worse than falling asleep at the controls?” which incidentally is the allegation leveled against pilots when the news first came to light. Although pilots and drivers of commercial vehicles – especially passenger carriers, should dedicate all their attention to the job at hand; although mishaps due to lack of concentration and technology have happened in the recent past as well. Related incidents include the train engineer whose irresponsible actions resulted in the deaths of 25 people. Perhaps this calls for action that bans electronics in the hands of professionals who operate heavy machinery or operate commercial passenger transportation vehicles.
There is some speculation that the pilots were using the laptops to discuss the airline crew flight scheduling procedure. However, it is not certain what exactly they were doing and whether they had internet access of any kind at the time. Details continue to emerge as the FAA and airlines gird themselves for a backlash and tougher rules likely to come down the pike. For their trouble, the travelers on the plane are receiving $500 travel vouchers “to compensate them for their inconvenience.

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