Its all gone to Rat****
Feel the need to comment further here!There is definitely a negative attitude to "Handling Pilots" in this Industry .It has been going on for some time,and stems from the Manufacturers/Airlines demanding and making more and more technically advanced automated systems that no longer require Human intervention.A mate of mine ,Ex Capt 737,was P1,as F/O, on the approach to HK in a 747-200,when he asked the Capt,if he could fly in manual?He was warned that any problem he would be for Swords and Medals with the Fleet Captain!!Pilots will be automatons hanging up on hooks,and fed into the cockpit, like the Thunderbirds,for legalityfor flight only,after the required rest period.Then locked up for the remainder of the flight,having brought in their own K rations,if their outfit dont provide!!!Boredom sets in and many will snuggle up in their uncomfortable seat and lean into the sidewindow,falling asleep,until awakened by a knock on the locked door,or their colleague nudging them at appropriate ATC communications.Then the stress of the descent profile is removed ,because it is done for them by the Nav and FMS systems.What more to do ,ah yes land it!!!No ,we now dont do that either ,as we have to prove the Autoland,unless the Captain is out of 28 days,so the arrival is firm.All these Computers have NO Wife,Children,or Grandchildren,Mortgage,Mistress,and Large Yellow streak firmly developed by years of experience in Manually Operated aeroplanes,which gives you a Sixth Sense and Anticipation.Having accomplished forced landings without terrible mishap in over 42 years,Self Preservation takes charge with a shot of adrenalin.In my experience there is be NO thought of what dire consequences there would be If the aircraft were to impact here or there????What kicks in is Training- a condensed image of the 5 Ss,and the 7 Ps,and maybe high key/low key if you have time to replan the impact.Size,Shape,Surroundings,Slope,Surface.The Hudson hit all the right buttons,and the impact would be softer than terra firma.You dont actually have time to think further than a super quick reaction after the 5 Ss consideration-"Fxxk me we are going to get in there!!"The 7 Ps ,you may not even get around to,unless the emergency began a lot earlier and then check lists are the order of the day,but for the uninitiated they are(And bloody Brownes mob should learn this and digest it!!)Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.All these 3rd level and beyond Airliners are removing the Noble Art of Aviating,and putting Xbox Aces in your place.Salaries are now back nearly 10 years ,and with Money Purchase Pensions replacing the long established Final Salary,what is this once proud Industry heading for?