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by ivape 327 days ago
What happens if the camera stops working?
6 comments

Same thing that happens when flying through storms or clouds - fly by instrument.
Regular aircraft equipped for IFR can't safely land with zero forward visibility. The pilot has to be able to see the runway for the final touchdown and roll out. Only a few aircraft and airports are able to do Category IIIC precision landings.

https://skybrary.aero/articles/instrument-landing-system-ils

In an emergency you do whatever you have to in order to preserve safety and lives.

No idea if the procedure here would be use a backup camera, try to land on ILS, or eject/bail out (if equipped). Presumably they've thought of that and it's in the "emergency procedures" section of the flight manual.

I am sorry for a stupid comment, but when I hear this I always picture sad pilot reaching for a guitar, playing a ballad and hoping for the best.
Are there many pilots who are even rated for 6-strings?

I know commercial airliners are required to carry an emergency ukulele, but that's only 4 strings.

I knew what it was going to be before I clicked it, but I clicked it anyway. Classic.
Lindbergh managed without being able to see dead ahead.
It's one of a number of safety-critical items onboard, including the pilot.

There may even be multiple. Cameras are pretty cheap these days.

You stop the plane. They are only really used while taxiing.
Backup periscope or mirror perhaps?
RUD.