While there are those who think good education is not needed, maybe in the old days it would hold true. The old days where you learnt on the job, got a few cuts here and there, and a few amputations for poking body parts in to places where they dont belong ..
With the amount of automation and computerization, it does require good education, and that is one of the reasons cadet pilots need to be graduate, not "good in tinkering with electronic stuff" and such ..
I learnt it, as at one stage I was about to bring down a million dollar worth RF transmitter, and then I got a severe bollocking from my boss, who said "DO IT IF YOU KNOW HOW TO DO IT, OR IF YOU DONT KNOW, GO AND PLAY WITH YOUR OWN MILLION DOLLAR TOYS, NOT MINE" - the problem concerned working out the Intermediate frequency and calculating the maximum load (which involved a lot of mathematics and deciphering of the manuals) and a mismatched IF would have literally burnt the High Power Transmitter.
Well, also reminds me of the time one of the shipping company bosses sent his new secretary to brush up her english, for having taken down a dictation "MV XXXX WILL BE BIRTHING IN EAST KEY"
(Do ships give birth ?? and can ships dock in Keys ?? - forgot Florida Keys !!!!)
I used to be one of those who believe 'hands on' is better, and after a few near misses, and almost have been dumped a under-slung load .. I think and believe otherwise now
YouTube - German Coast Guard - Lost in Translation
have a great weekend !!!!