Why aren’t airliners loaded with cameras?

modern Question: airplanes Why been haven’t built with lance extensiveof the outside video of surveil-the aircraft so pilots can observe all parts, especially if something goes wrong ?

— Bob Ferber, Calabasas, Calif.

Answer: Some large airplanes have cameras installed in strategic places. They provide valuable information for taxiing and can be used in flight if necessary.

The instruments provide pilots with a good indication of problems or system malfunctions.

The direct answer to your question is that the manufacturers have not determined that the benefit justifies the cost.

Q: Shows such as Mayday often boil down to, “Which engine is on fire? Which gear is down?” Why don’t airlines use closed-circuit TV to monitor? — Brad Nadir A: There are clear indicators of a problem with an engine such as fire. A problem may not be visually apparent. It is better to rely on engine or system indicators.

Q: Whenever there’s a failure of an aircraft, “black box” analysis involves deciphering cabin sounds. Now that even low-cost cars are outfitted with at least a tiny rear-view camera, why aren’t aircraft fitted with cameras aimed at engines, the tail, in the cabin, etc.? Only a few minutes of recording would provide a lot of information.

— Christine Crawford-Oppen heimer

A: Some of the larger airplanes now have cameras to help the crew see the landing gear for ground handling (many also have a tail-mounted camera too).

Unlike adding a new electronic device to a car, the certification process is very expensive and the requirements are much more rigorous. This makes the cost significantly more. The regulators have not found it necessary to require cameras, as the data they need is available.