if the data reporting system suddenly shut down, how would the pilots handle that? if it was a mechanical failure. if the data reporting systems just shut down, what would the pilots do? if the data reporting system shut down, like the acars, that s a relatively big deal wechdeal. we would talk to dispatchers and maintenance. they are the folks that make the flight plan. they follow us along the route the entire way. we would talk to them and try to trouble shoot it. why is it they are not communicating? you brought this up, carol. there is a certain protocol that i a vee eight. the number one rule in flying