I think we are all singing to the same words and music .. just taking different parts ..
.... apparent disregard for speed awareness .... speed and attitude are interlinked ...
Fair comment .. but ASI is of lesser predictive value in other than smooth air and steady flight path ... trying to fly a larger aircraft in dynamic conditions using ASI as the prime guide makes for hard work .. much easier to use speed for a degree of refinement.
.... rules of thumb or guidelines for use during training ..... there should be a loop process ...
Are we not all talking the same thing ? .. albeit viewed from different perspectives ? However, he who forgets the basics and, eg, follows the F/D slavishly, sees a less than smooth flying performance in line operations ...
... assuming the use of auto throttle ...
Use of A/T in underslung engines makes for harder work when hand-flying .. hence the often seen preference for handflying with manual throttle (preferably with the unit armed) and A/P with A/T .. certainly, in the sim exercises I was referring to, it is a case of NO automatics at all .. everything is done the traditional way ..
.. FD ...
Again, a system which works well when the going's good .. but can, itself, significantly increase pilot interpretative workload in dynamic situations .. 737 Classic drivers will be quite familiar with this in the windshear case (I guess that there will be quite some variation depending on the capabilities of particular systems)
... aircraft control without auto throttle and no FD ..
As a venerated elder statesman pilot in the Australian scene said some years ago when transitioning to his first heavy jet endorsement (and after having had some difficulties with the earlier sessions) .. came to the standby power exercise session .. and all of a sudden he had no troubles with the sim ... "mate !!! .. with nothing working ... it flies like a real aeroplane ... "
Should there be any difference in flying technique with/without automatics ? .. I think not ... albeit that there may be an increase in workload stressors due to the need to keep track of what the gadgets are doing for (or against) the pilot ..
Last edited by john_tullamarine; 29th January 2004 at 04:47.