Introduction

[Sid Boyce <szb50@amdahl.com>]

I reside in the UK. I started learning to fly in 1990, licensed in
Florida in 1992 as it looked as though the UK weather would drag that
out for another couple of years. I fly C152's and PA28's and the
highlight so far was a weekend away in the Frech Alps.
	My other hobbies are Ham radio where I've built and part desgined some
complex gear like transceivers and test equipment, though demands on
time have brought building to a near standstill. I only have Linux
installed on my 2 machines and I use that for work (S/390 Hardware
Specialist), packet radio and anything else I need to do. With Citrix
winframe, X3270, Netscape, adobe acrobat, StarOffice and Applixware,
that covers just about all I need to accomplish work tasks.
	I've been involved with Linux ever since Linus placed it up for ftp, so
I've had the pleasure of seeing it develop at quite a pace and as a
stable operating system, I've never been in a position where I couldn't
work because of Linux, bearing in mind that I always use the bleeding
edge kernels and applications.
	I think Linux in aviation has great possibilities, for one thing we
could develop far more reliable applications than are possible for
windows.
	Like all software, the user has the responsibility to ensure caution
and cross-checking is employed to avoid nasty shocks in the crtitcal
phases of a flight. In the USA, there is DUATS, over here we have no
such tools, so planning is done by hand. My feeling is that over time,
systems will develop to the point where substantial parts can be trusted
and perhaps certified by the respective authorities. Here we are
cautioned not to use GPS as our primary method of navigation, a point
proved to me last Sunday when my GPS 90 at 2000 feet told me I needed
more height, so go-to-nearest gave no output.
	I've yet to try FlightGear, for some years I've played with "icao",
excellent work, except the "World" file was just for Germany,
Switzerland and part of France. Whatever software is developed, I think
it must be able to use available commercial databases for anywhere on
the planet, Jeppesen seems to have the widest range available as
exemplified in their training, planning and GPS software, so in the true
spirit of Linux, a plea for realising the end of the know earth extends
well beyond the borders of the USA.
Regards
-- 
... Sid Boyce...Amdahl(Europe)...44-121 422 0375 
Any opinions expressed above are mine and do not necessarily represent
 the opinions or policies of Amdahl Corporation.
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