By now everyone has heard of the "Plane Crash" in the "Hudson river". Thank God that particular pilot was there, because he made history in how he handled the situation. 155 people today, are alive that likely wouldn't if not for his clear thinking.

So as I read more, some questions come to mind. I'd like to hear anyone's thoughts (Especially yours Draco). I am not an aviation expert (don't claim to be).. but I wonder why this continues to be a problem (Birds or whatever being sucked in to the huge propellers).

The first thought that came to my mind was.. why can't they put a big (strong) "screen" of sorts over the front. That way, nothing big could be "sucked in", and damage the parts inside. One that wouldn't inhibit the airflow, but block parts from being damaged.

I was talking to Roxann about this. She made an interesting point. Probably, with the power those things create (the suction and such), they would likely get blocked very easy.. and then not get the airflow.

That made alot of sense... I could see "leaves", little birds, and alot of other things stuck there pretty quickly.

However, given our technology today.. it seems like they could come up with a way to clear that out. Like, maybe some "intermittent" blocking of the suction in, and then have something to push air "out" to force everything off the screen. I am thinking, maybe 10 - 60 seconds of sucking in, and then 1 second of "re-directed air" out to keep the screen clear. Maybe a sensor that says how much air in is restricted, then when it is, block the air coming in.. to give a second where suction was gone, and air could be pushed out. I think this could be designed easy, and I know it would only take a second of reverse air to blow debris away. I see problems "technically", but I think engineers could manage this.

I don't know.. I do know, alot of planes go down because of this. And I think it could be overcome. What is the "reason" it hasn't been solved yet?

Just a thought and wonder... Gary :)