Tim Clark wants windowless planes

[Turbofan]

Here's a perfect example of when wanting to make money interferes with the ability to think like a normal human.

Source: BBC

[Neocon]

I can see the next step now. The plane is crashing and the passengers are seeing a recording of a smooth flight because that's cheaper than providing a live image.

[Turbofan]

I can see the next step now. The plane is crashing and the passengers are seeing a recording of a smooth flight because that's cheaper than providing a live image.

That or the whole projection system gets knocked out of service at the same time the plane has an accident/incident, causing chaos and confusion in the cabin.

[Bombcat]

While passenger comfort issues are significant, I could certainly see the point of removing structural weaknesses from the fuselage. As for the ability to see outside in an emergency, I see no reason why traditional windows couldn't remain in the doors, which are already necessary cuts in the fuselage anyway.

I would be strongly against removing windows for the flight crew, of course.

[Turbofan]

I understand where this structural weakness argument is coming from but don't agree with just eliminating them altogether. Planes have been flying for decades now with windows, and it's exceedingly rare for an airplane to crash because a window was the weak link. Then again, that's just my 2 cents' worth.

However, it would be a very sad day if planes do start flying without windows and introduce this "projected image" crap. The entire reason I love flying, what got me hooked on aviation, is the ability to see not just other aircraft, the delights at various airports, but also the natural wonders of the planet in the form of geographical features, storms lighting up as you pass by them, other aircraft with their contrails whizzing by... there are many things that I see with my own eyes, that I can see at will as I please with a viewport that's as big as the window I am looking out of. There is no way a projected image from a camera will replace that for me. It will simply kill the joy of flying.

[waspe414]

I imagine it would be a cost-saving measure, if anything, depending on what their projection system would be. Fewer parts, less construction cost, less maintenance. If the system has a failure, it doesn't ground the aircraft. But yeah, like TFan said, it would totally kill my love of flying. Could be in a tunnel the whole way for all it's worth.

I would be more concerned about the ability to see into the aircraft in emergencies. And the structural argument isn't really there for me unless the fuselage has substantially more pressure differential to deal with. Windows have been getting bigger in modern jumbos, so it's clearly a priority for airlines.