automation
the only reason I can think automation is installed is to make sure mediocre pilots can handle an airliner.
Lindbergh made it across the atlantic without an autopilot and he was awake a huge amount of time.
Yes, there were times things came a bit too close for comfort, but he made it.
So, instead of making sure pilots can fly the heck out of a plane, even ''expediting'' things with ATC, we have computers that can't do it and pilots who depend on the computers.
Damn shame. How many of you fine flyers out there know what a ''crowbar'' approach is? How many times have I intercepted a glideslope from above? There are thousands of you out there who know how to do it and make it work...even being spooled up in time to make sure you can get out of trouble.