I wish I had a good answer for you, but I don't. The global speculation is just that and until we get some better data--real, substantiated data--we're only guessing.

Two, the Asiana crash at San Francisco and two years ago a BA 777 crashed short of the runway in London due to ice crystals in the fuel.

This data is for engine parameters, not flight data. Yes, the WSJ article was correct.

Certainly possible, but low probability. An actual landing somewhere would have raised flags somewhere.

You're absolutely right, but remember tose are expensive and the airlines won't spend a penny they don't have to. This tragedy may change that and force the regulators - FAA, EASA, CAA - to mandate the use of real-time "blackboxes".

I feel terrible for the Malaysians... they have responded quickly and with all apparent honesty in keeping the public informed. As far as looking for the plane... anybodys guess, I'm afraid.

NextGen and SESAR are mandated to begin in 2020, but funding is the problem. MH370 might change that, as several midair collisions in the 1960s here in the US forced implemtation of TCAS.

There was a 727 from Africa that disappeared about 25 years ago, never to be seen, but no, I cannot think of anything else with such precendence as this.

The weather at the time of reported disappearance was benign; Wind shear at altitude is rarely a cause for this level of accident.

The airline would never survive if that were the case. No, I think they have acted honorably.

Yes, but underwater and only within a small range. they've gotta get close to hear them.

Still air, full tanks, about 15 hours or 6,750 nautical miles.

Certainly possible Judy, and just as valid as the many other hypotheses to have been brought forward.

Over land, yes. Over the high seas the US carriers face the same challenges as MH370. It was not that many years ago the North Atlantic was completely without coverage until ADS-C and CPDLC gave accurate, frequent position reports.

I would not hesitate to fly Malaysia Airlines tomorrow with my family. This unique, one-off event is exceptional. The old saying that driving to the airport is safer than your flight remains true...

Most of the world remains without radar or secondary coverage... most passengers assume they are being watched but that only takes place over land. Over water, you are on your own.

Not without a working, in-range cell tower.

Absolutely right! We need to lobby Congress to push forward the NextGen inititative that would provide significantly increased coverage for all aircraft via satellite. Money remains the problem, and with a sterling safety record the past decade, little attention has been paid to safety. MH370 may change that.

Even the FAA is not sure, but you've seen the relaxing of the use of PEDs in the past few months. This will continue as PEDs proliferate.

A system called ADS-B and time separation, relayed through Shanwick and Gander Oceanic control. If planes get too fast (or slow), the controlling agency issues a clearance to speed up or slow down. So yes, you are on your own for many minutes between reporting points, as much as 15-20 during winter. At 8 miles a minute, thats a lot of distance.

Plenty of speculation, but nothing concrete yet. The US has said it considers it a high priority, but the Malaysians have largely discounted the terrorism aspect.