I do have personal experience with this one, and came here to recommend this. I've personally seen a 4 year old get an elementary understanding of algebra from this app. Worth every penny.

There is nothing technically preventing this. It's already being done. GE Aviation engines can be fitted with technology to report, in real time, the behavior of engines on a plane while it is still in the air.

It wouldn't be a stretch to extend the telemetry to other plane systems.

http://www.geae.com/services/information/diagnostics/tier.html

Don't read the Baroque cycle as your introduction to his works...they are atypical of his style, and may turn you away from some of the fantastic storytelling in Snow Crash and Diamond Age. My particular favorite is Cryptonomicon.