Originally Posted by fivevsone

It's fascinating to learn something new about flying. That computers in Chicago (?) define the speed and trim (is that the correct term?) needed to take off, based on the weight of the plane?

Is that correct? and with the computer down, all the planes had to sit tight and wait for the computer to come back up before they could figure out the parameters to allow them take off?

I just assumed it was like driving. Just point down the runway, and 'go' until you became airborne, then turn and head towards your destination.

Interesting stuff.