As far as I am concerned the problem is this. Thirty plus years ago it really took considerable skill to pilot a DC-6 across the Atlantic during the winter. Dodgy wx tempremental pistons, very very long duty period etc (don't get me on about the pre-war Imperial guys on HP 42's). Consiquently and understandably these guys became "bronze gods of the sky" and really did earn their corn.
Pilots appreciated this image and have allways wanted to keep it, dispite the fact that they now "systems operate" an aircraft that is by and large designed not to be hand flown but operated through an FMC/autopilot. The skills that these guys need cannot compare to their collegues from years ago. Meanwhile in the ops room, more and more decsion making over the years has been seeded in this area.
So bottom line, pilots don't want to see any power move from the ground to the air.
Okay, the pilots have obtained their licences and should have respect for reaching the appropriate standard but the fact is most accidents that occur today are CFIT (controlled flight into terrain) which in itself says alot about modern training techniques. Oh and don't forget the technology now exists to build and operate an aircraft without pilots.
Ummmm, now then, who runs most airlines on a day to day basis (once they have got the beencounters money), yes pilots.
Thats why they will never conceed any power, why they keep all the money, screw our pensions and never, ever let you forget they are "bronze gods" and we are the poor people on the ground. Nor will they give us a licence (ok outside the US and yes I do have an FAA licence)because they do not want ground staff confused with aircrew.
Bitter, honestly no. I love my job and would'nt work in any other industry. However, just ask yourself why so many UK carriers have gone bust and will continue to.In my opinion its because they are run by pilots.
If this industry is going to go forward we must stop doing things "just because we have allways done it that way" and stop the seniority list controlling everything. It should be the best people at the top and not how long you've been around.
In the old days the aeroplanes were made of wood and the pilots made of steel, now its the otherway round.
Any thoughts ??????