Latest news with #autopilot
South China Morning Post
17-05-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Lufthansa plane flown by autopilot after pilot faints in cockpit
A Lufthansa flight was flown by autopilot when the co-pilot, alone in the cockpit as the pilot had stepped away to use the bathroom, fainted, Spanish investigators said in a report about an incident last year that was released on Saturday. The Airbus A321 flew without a pilot in charge for 10 minutes, the Spanish accident investigation authority CIAIAC said of the flight on February 17, 2024 from Frankfurt to Seville. Lufthansa confirmed it was aware of the report and said its flight safety department had conducted an extensive internal investigation into the incident. But the company did not disclose the results of its investigation, stating: 'We ask for your understanding that we will not comment beyond the investigation report.' Although the unconscious co-pilot apparently unintentionally operated the controls, the aircraft continued to fly stably thanks to the active autopilot. The voice recorder captured strange noises in the cockpit during this time which were consistent with an acute medical emergency, the report said. A Lufthansa plane is seen at sunset at the airport in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany, in April. Photo: AFP Some 10 minutes later, the captain managed to open the cockpit security door using an emergency code. He had completed training for such an eventuality a month beforehand.
Forbes
13-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
3 Ways To Snap Out Of Sleepwalking Through Life — By A Psychologist
Here's how you can shake off the cobwebs, stop hitting the snooze button on life and start living ... More with your eyes wide open. Our culture is rife with stories where people grow dispassionate and jaded with lives and routines they intentionally created for their own security and comfort. It's a story we hear frequently — you wake up, go through your daily routine and before you know it, another day has passed without anything meaningful to show for it. Many people find themselves stuck in a routine that feels more like a never-ending loop than a fulfilling journey. It's as if life is happening around you, but you're not really living it — you're just existing. This sense of being on autopilot can be unsettling, leaving you with a nagging feeling that there's more to life than what you're currently experiencing. The good news is that you don't have to stay in this state of inertia. It's entirely possible to break free from this pattern and start living your life with greater intention and awareness. Here are three strategies that can help you reconnect with your true self and reignite your passion for life. One powerful way to snap out of autopilot mode and reclaim control over your life is to create a personal manifesto — a written declaration of your core beliefs, values and intentions for how you want to live. This manifesto is more than just a list of goals; it's a reflection of what you stand for, the principles that guide you and what you aim to contribute to the world. The process begins with deep self-reflection. Ask yourself probing questions: You might even draw inspiration from Japanese philosophies such as Ikigai and Wabi-Sabi. To ensure that your manifesto remains a central part of your life, display it somewhere visible — on your desk, in your journal or as a background on your phone. Seeing it daily will serve as a constant reminder of your intentions, helping you stay focused and intentional rather than drifting aimlessly. While routine can offer comfort and stability, it often dulls your senses and traps you in a state of mental inertia. To counteract this, dedicate one day each month to your inner curiosity — a day devoted entirely to exploration and discovery, where you consciously step out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in new, unfamiliar experiences. Consider indulging in a new culinary adventure. If cooking isn't your thing, attend a pottery workshop. If you prefer intellectual challenges, try a crash course in a foreign language. The goal isn't necessarily to master the subject but to engage your brain in a new way, sparking curiosity and expanding your horizons. Similarly, consider picking up a hobby that's completely outside your usual interests. If you've never painted, try a beginner's art class; if you've never gardened, spend a day with your hands in the soil. These activities can reignite your passion for learning and foster a sense of wonder. The essence of a successful 'curiosity day' lies in approaching it with an open mind and a sense of adventure. Let go of any preconceived notions or expectations, and fully embrace whatever new experiences come your way. Researcher and psychologist William Whitecross at the Australian National University supports this approach, suggesting that while uncertainty can be daunting, we are not inherently wired to respond with fear or anger. 'There is a part of our mind that wants to approach the unknown and learn about it. You just need to tap into it,' he says. Another way to stop sleepwalking through life is to broaden your social horizon. Sticking to familiar social circles and routines can limit our perspective and growth. Adopting a 'one new connection' rule can help you intentionally expand your social network and infuse new energy into your life. Here's how it works — each month, make a deliberate effort to connect with at least one new person. This could be someone you encounter at work, in your community or even online within a group that aligns with your interests. Approach these interactions with genuine curiosity and an open heart, focusing on learning from others' experiences and viewpoints. To make the most of this approach, try to engage in meaningful conversations and show genuine interest in the other person's story. Ask questions, share your own experiences and seek common ground. By seeking these new connections, you not only enrich your social life but also invigorate your overall sense of purpose and involvement in the world. Curious whether you're ready to stop drifting and start living? Take the research-backed Openness To Experience Scale to find out.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Orlando-bound flight declares emergency, diverts
A plane heading to Orlando declared an emergency, two hours into its flight on Saturday. It landed shortly thereafter in Pensacola instead. The Spirit Airlines flight from Houston made the declaration around 8:30 a.m., right as the plane was flying through a pocket of severe weather. Passengers said the pilot came over the intercom and notified them that the plane's autopilot wasn't working. The plane remained on the ground for hours Saturday morning as mechanics worked to repair the system. It eventually was able to take off and land at Orlando International Airport roughly six hours late. Passengers said no one was injured. Spirit Airlines did not respond to a request for additional information about the issue. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
