Do we actually do 'Raw Data' anymore on modern jets?
When we turn off the automatics you actually sit there with a flightpath director and speed trend arrow. These would be considered wonder electric-jet modes 15 years ago. So the 4 skills of keeping level, on-speed, adjusting for wind and setting the right thrust are taken care of. Then we have the Nav Display so actually getting onto a radial is a none event. To aircraft designers 'Real' raw data is so unimportant that the 330s RMI has been out of use for about 4 years and the F/O doesn't even have a standby ADI. The skills have changed! If you put GPS into the mix as well, I wonder how many guys have flown an NDB approach without identing the beacon or being aware of their rate of decent on final?
My instrument scan on EFIS is less than it was on a HUD and less than on AHARs and less than on the JP and heaven forbid less than on the mighty Chipmunk. What I would agree with Beagle about though; is that the best form of reversion is total. If you are gonna overspeed or bust a level, disconnect the automatics and fly the aircraft! Without the designers 'automatic control damping system' between you and the Flt Control Computers, it is amazing how quickly the beast can be brought back under control before re-engaging it all again.
'Needle left, ball right, numbers decreasing and both horizons steady!!'
Cerberus
