Originally Posted by
Uplinker
I have often suggested that in the same way that we had to do three auto-lands in any 6 month period to keep our currency up, and keep a record of that; we should be required by pilot training management do three fully manual raw data ILS approaches. On reasonable weather days and 'reasonable airspace' days, of course.
If we were actually mandated to do three manually flown, manual thrust raw data ILS approaches - with no FDs either - in every 6 month period; it just might coax all of us out of our safety blankets, and keep our manual skills from rusting too far, (me included !).
Whilst I agree, it isn’t always possible particularly in the winter months. I’ve had tours where we have flown very few if any coupled approaches, lots of raw data etc but equally I’ve had months where a combination of busy 3/4 sector days and the usual tiredness that comes from constantly battling slots, tech issues etc as well as British weather has meant the opportunity is few and far between.
A couple of hours in the sim every month (or even every 3 months) with a trainer to try some non jeopardy manual flying and maybe even review/debrief some stuff I saw on the line…. My word that would be invaluable.