No map on the E90s??
 

Is this a known problem with the IFE on the E90s or was I just particularly unlucky this past weekend? I had three flights on E90s, each on a different aircraft, and on all three the map was showing "flight data unavailable" for the duration of the trip. On my last flight (this morning) there was at least some acknowledgment that we started the trip in Toronto (time at origin was showing up) but the rest of the details were busted.

Certainly not enough to make me hate the experience, but that's the one bit if IFE that I generally enjoy; not having it on all three flights was a bit disappointing.

Yes, it's relatively frequent that you don't have moving map on the 190/175s. AC has been improving in this front, but it's a slow process - and not unified whatsoever.
Better luck next time! :D

The Moving Map/Airshow is indeed available on the E-190. It may have been a technical problem, however, when the response is "Flight Data Unavailable", it frequently means that the crew must manually input the flight data/coordinates on the IFE panel. The E-175 does not have the Map/Airshow installed, and as a result, the response is "This selection not currently available" (or something along those lines).

manually input?

Yeah, the biscuit shooters in the back get to enter the flight plan into the IFE, rather than the IFE picking it up directly from the FMS (Flight Management System) when the drivers enter the data.

The airplane's FMS is linked to the IFE???

Ick! I thought that stuff was seperate, as in, air gaps, to prevent hacking...

Suddenly that USB port becomes a lot more interesting...

CATSA/TSA will have to ban USB cables longer than 2 Inches in carry on luggage now ;)

Forget USB, someone with a screwdriver could probably break the Ethernet out, if they knew what they were doing....

I don't know how its setup, but I suspect its not connected to the actual cockpit FMS.

i was thinking something semi automated.... GPS + standard predetermined route....never expected each route was manually inputted in

now FAs are GIS/GPS experts

It IS automated. Just one of the peculiarities of the system where on occasion (make that very infrequently), the data needs to be manually input. I think I've done this 2 or 3 times.

It's good to know that it's automated. I don't think it can be hacked except if you can get in the cockpit. First time I was in a cockpit was when I played FS :D

i rem the good old days when SQ and UA allowed me into their cockpits.... 747 and 343

Almost like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkiZMFFNi44 :p

You get a plastic model plane.... hang around....but thank god no gladiator or gymnastic talk

u play FS? u so gotta teach me....just bought FSX......

You were really lucky to get into a cockpit even if it's a long time go. I was barely able to see its interior, some buttons,but not really much as you.

Yes I do play FS when I have some free time and I can teach u anytime. Used to play on the first FS version a long time ago...
Harder part is to land the plane following wind speed, weather conditions and other factors. I crashed into many airports including LAX and AMS and all pax died except me :D
Seriously, when you master landing then you do not have to worry for the remaining tasks.

Not to get to far off topic, but I remember when I was young way before 9/11 they would invite children into the cockpit to look around during flight. Was a really neat experience and this was on AC as well. Probably was a DC9 in those days..