PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Pilot handling skills under threat, says Airbus
Old 15th Sep 2009, 12:27
  #74 (permalink)  
BarbiesBoyfriend
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My 2p worth.

'Loss of control' is the new killer.

Pilots are relying too much on automation- good as it is- and when it does a 'subtle' failure (Turkish at Schipol for example) they sometimes fail to notice.

Also, when the autos roll over completely, the pilots' skill set is often found wanting due to lack of 'autos off' recency. AF447 MAY be an example or the ADAM air if you like.

I, personally, take a great interest in what is in our OPS manual.

Remember though, that the primary purpose of the OPS manual is to absolve management of the blame if the worst should happen. There is plenty of great stuff in the books but it is never a substitute for basic airmanship. We got loads of guys where I work who are utterly ****-hot at reciting stuff out the OPS manuals. But can they fly the plane? Can they F*ck!

The autos are great for reading the paper or eating your lunch. They are an aid to flight, not a crutch to prop up your **** hand flying. I fly with plenty of guys who would be lost (to put it mildly) without the autos.


Fly your aircraft. You might be glad you did some day.