The latest trend seems to be “you shouldn’t/can’t try to fix the pilots. It’s all too difficult. Engineer out the faults and the pilots won’t have to put down their cup of tea. “
I can think of many situations where a combination of seemingly simple faults, when combined make operating the plane extremely demanding to fly. Guess that’s why we need competent pilots. And no software engineer can “ automate-out” all conceivable fault combinations.
Double engine failure is a good example where, assuming the APU starts, you are stil left with an extremely demanding situation which requires you to revert to basic airmanship and flying skills. Even with no APU, a 737 can still do it. Uniquely, because it’s really a 707 with a glass cockpit and flies like a Cessna. Seen it on the sim. Accomplished successfully maybe a hundred or more times over the years. But the guys at the sharp end have to know what to do and have the multitasking skills to implement them.
So when the dust settles I will still fly happily with airlines that cut the mustard. And avoid the others. Always have and most smart passengers too. There are over one hundred airlines that are not permitted to operate in the EU, yet they are all “approved and licensed” by their own national authorities. Wonder why the EU does this? Don’t think it’s racism though.
Y