Conspiracy Theories - The new Utterly Ridiculous Thread or is it?

[Tins]

I'm not sure I'm comforted by that as it's been proven it takes a few minutes for a person to assess a situation comprehensively enough to take control, like in the JAL Japanese Air Line flight that did a massive barrel roll over the Pacific when a human took it off autopilot due to a very strong crosswind*.

It is basically impossible to pilot a commercial or military jet aircraft without the computer. Far too many parameters and contingencies for one human mind to compute in the available time. But, people insist on flying places and so it's necessary. I'm not sure that it's necessary to have flying taxis over Brisbane at all. Even Jeff Bezos, with all his resources, cannot reliably deliver a pair of socks using drones.

Flying taxis are so "The Fifth Element", and should remain so. Unless Bruce Willis is available, of course.

* Have a read of Michael Chrichton's book Airframe. He was writing about that very thing in 1996. Excellent book.

[V8Ian]

]I can foresee mass resignations from the ATC[/B] community. Who would want responsibility for the resultant chaos? It takes years of training to pilot a US MQ-9 Reaper attack drone, and they are supposed to kill people.

It'll end in tears.

What does equestrian performance activity have to do with aerial public transport?

[Tins]

What does equestrian performance activity have to do with aerial public transport?

Haven't you heard of Pegasus?

[NavyDiver]

It is basically impossible to pilot a commercial or military jet aircraft without the computer. Far too many parameters and contingencies for one human mind to compute in the available time. But, people insist on flying places and so it's necessary. I'm not sure that it's necessary to have flying taxis over Brisbane at all. Even Jeff Bezos, with all his resources, cannot reliably deliver a pair of socks using drones.

Flying taxis are so "The Fifth Element", and should remain so. Unless Bruce Willis is available, of course.

* Have a read of Michael Chrichton's book Airframe. He was writing about that very thing in 1996. Excellent book.

The some restaurants in Japan are already moving food and drinks inside AI flying and delivery . Suspect the future is closer than some think JT.

On the military jets. They Cost that much they are really a flying command and control platform for the AI drones they have with them. Think Loyal Wingman aka as MQ-28A Ghost Bat perhaps

2020 and breeding FAST
Loyal Wingman Unmanned Aircraft System, Australia

Yes I have seen a few flying about

[V8Ian]

Make your own decisions.

[Tombie]

I can foresee mass resignations from the ATC community. Who would want responsibility for the resultant chaos? It takes years of training to pilot a US MQ-9 Reaper attack drone, and they are supposed to kill people.

It'll end in tears.

18-24 months.

[Hogarthde]

What does equestrian performance activity have to do with aerial public transport?

Bit too cryptic for me Ian.. in your own time, " please explain "

[NavyDiver]

While Germany is one of the cheapest places in the EU for a drink, Australia is one of the most expensive in the world. Recent figures for 2025/2026 show a stark contrast in pricing, taxation, and consumption habits.
? The Price Gap: Australia vs. Germany

Australia sits at the opposite end of the spectrum from Germany and Italy.

• Beer Prices: A domestic pint in a Sydney or Melbourne pub now averages $12.50 – $15.50 AUD. In Germany, the same volume often costs less than $8.00 AUD (€5.00).
• Spirits: Due to heavy taxation, a 700ml bottle of gin or whiskey that costs $30 AUD in Europe can easily cost $75+ AUD in Australia.
• The EU Benchmark: While German prices are 14% below the EU average, Australian alcohol prices are estimated to be 60%–80% higher than the global average.

?️ Why is it so expensive? (The Tax Factor)

The primary driver for high prices isn't just the "cost of living"—it’s the Automatic Excise Tax.

• Bi-Annual Hikes: Australia increases alcohol tax twice a year (February and August) based on inflation.
• World Rankings: Australia has the 3rd highest spirits tax globally.
• The 2025 Freeze: To help struggling pubs, the government recently implemented a 2-year tax freeze specifically for draught beer (kegs), though bottled beer and spirits prices continue to rise.

? Consumption: Who Drinks More?

Despite the "heavy drinking" stereotype, Australians consume less pure alcohol per capita than Germans.

• Germany (2022): 11.2 liters of pure alcohol per person.
• Australia (2025): Approx. 9.6 – 9.8 liters per person.
• The Trend: Australian consumption is at its lowest point in 50 years. High prices and a growing "sober curious" movement are driving this decline.

? Health & Trends

Australian health experts have moved toward stricter guidelines, mirroring the "no safe level" sentiment mentioned by the WHO.

• The "10-4" Rule: Current Australian guidelines recommend no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than 4 on any single day.
• Premiumization: Since it’s so expensive, Australians are drinking less but better—choosing one $18 craft cocktail over four cheap lagers.

OUCH!

[sashadidi]

more of a "con" perhaps but basically Elon Musk is spreading lies
re living or inhabiting Mars but hey he can suck people in and get even more money



https://x.com/Daractenus/status/2011...532424566?s=20

[V8Ian]

Bit too cryptic for me Ian.. in your own time, " please explain "

In the context of John's post, which I quoted, I deliberately interpreted ATC to mean Australian Turf Club, rather than the intended Air Traffic Control.