Computer Failure Grounds All United Flights

[Matt Molnar]

CBS 2 Chicago:

Computer Failure Halts All United Airlines Flights (http://cbs2chicago.com/local/local_story_171104548.html)
Jun 20, 2007 9:36 am US/Central
(CBS) CHICAGO A massive computer failure at United Airlines has halted all flights systemwide, according to industry sources and passengers sitting on planes.

The reason for the failure is unknown and it is unclear how long the computers have been down. United Airlines and Chicago aviation officials were not immediately available for comment.

At Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, flights have been sitting on the tarmac for several hours. More... (http://cbs2chicago.com/local/local_story_171104548.html)

[PhilDernerJr]

I don't see how airlines don'thave redundancy so that if computers shut down, they can't jsut do it onpaper or something.

[AirtrafficController]

I don't see how airlines don'thave redundancy so that if computers shut down, they can't jsut do it onpaper or something.

You have a point there Phil but I guess it would be too hectic or troublesome

[Mateo]

United centralized all of the W&B and load planning a couple of years ago. It's a rare occurrence when an outbound UA heavy reaches the runway and has the numbers all loaded.

Actual exchange from Dulles tower last summer -
Tower: United XYZ, you got your weights?
UA XYZ: Uh, should be here any minute.
Other aircraft [in fake Indian accent]: The numbers are coming from New Delhi, thank you very much.
UA XYZ: I know what they are, but I need the computer to tell me I'm right.