Live web chat about Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

WPTV's Aviation Expert David Bjellos answers your questions about the missing plane.

3rd & 7 37yd

Is it possible that some kind of gas took over rendering the crew and passengers unconscious and the plane continues to fly until it runs out of fuel since the latest news says it continues to fly for 5 hours longer?

by Judy Weinstein 3/13/2014 9:25:30 PM
Certainly possible Judy, and just as valid as the many other hypotheses to have been brought forward.

by David_Bjellos 3/13/2014 9:26:00 PM
Could this happen in the United Staes? Are us carriers monitoring planes more closely?

by Brian 3/13/2014 9:26:11 PM
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.

by David_Bjellos 3/13/2014 9:27:45 PM
What can you say to nervous fliers like me when incidents like this happen? Can you offer any reassurance?

by Susan 3/13/2014 9:27:49 PM
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...

by David_Bjellos 3/13/2014 9:28:49 PM
Even if there wasn't a distress signal, aren't these planes being traced on radar and how can it just drop off without a trace?

by Tiffany 3/13/2014 9:28:54 PM
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.

by David_Bjellos 3/13/2014 9:29:41 PM
Can no ones cell phone on board be tracked

by Beverly 3/13/2014 9:29:51 PM
Not without a working, in-range cell tower.

by David_Bjellos 3/13/2014 9:30:04 PM
But we have had satellite communication for years! We do a better job tracking shuttles, rockets, etc.

by Tex 3/13/2014 9:30:08 PM
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.

by David_Bjellos 3/13/2014 9:31:32 PM
Could a passenger using their computer on the flight affected the plane's computer system?

by Tom 3/13/2014 9:31:43 PM
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.

by David_Bjellos 3/13/2014 9:32:30 PM
You just said over water you are on your own... flights criss-cross the Atlantic all day long, how are they being tracked and how do they avoid other planes?

by William 3/13/2014 9:32:42 PM
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.

by David_Bjellos 3/13/2014 9:34:35 PM
Do any of the reports you've read suggest to you that terrorism might have played a role?

by Frank 3/13/2014 9:34:42 PM
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.

by David_Bjellos 3/13/2014 9:35:33 PM
What is MH370?

by Tex 3/13/2014 9:35:35 PM
My I ask is it possible the pilot that has the flight simulator at his house ,could he have gone over and over where to fly how low to fly and done it many times to be sure where ever he wanted to fly , before this flight ?

by Cathy 3/13/2014 9:36:39 PM
Has anyone checked the internet usage by the passengers to gain any clues?

by Gloria12 3/13/2014 9:37:22 PM