Before we give the pilots all the credit.....
I think before we all think the pilots are safer we might want to consider what type of equipment that we have now.
- Computerized Flight planning / Wt and Balance
- Computerized Maint. Tracking
- TAWS / Ground Prox
- TCAS
- EFIS
- More reliance on autopilots
While I would have never believed it, the manufacturers were probably right in trying to 'get the pilot out of the cockpit' in the last 20 years. Lower time pilots are much more prevelant these days, children of the Magenta is what the guys said at Simuflite. They might not be able to troubleshoot, or fly IFR, but if the TCAS or ground prox says to climb and turn, guys are doing it. I am sure that's saved some lives.