Originally Posted by
Uplinker
Yes, the startle effect is real - amongst the average human being. However, pilots should not suffer it, or should be trained out of it; That is part of what it is to be a pilot - you are not startled by events, but revert to a pre-programmed and pre-practised response to things that don't go according to plan. Isn't that what we practise and are selected and paid for ?
Just because a pilot doesn't exhibit the symptoms of being startled doesn't mean they aren't, they've learnt to manage it. I think that's what you mean. By and large pilots are average human beings. Every generation wants to put their own spin (aka terminology) on what has been a fundamental concept in aviation since the Wright brothers - sh1t happens. It isn't a new concept.