Gentlemen...
In my humble opinion, I think you'all are missing the point here, well, most of you anyway,
As I see it, the point is that the flight deck automation has gone way too far,
we need to 'back off' somewhat, AND reintroduce the PFE, that's my point AND that of many others here and elsewhere!
In other words get the operation of the airplane back into the hands of the flight crew, not just have them being passengers to the automation, or worse, not knowing what to do when (not 'if') the automation let's you down, either as the result of mishandling or malfunction.
What was that the Airbus company released in a document recently, (surprisingly, from them), something to the effect that pilots in general (well, airline pilots at least) are losing their handling skills by using the airplane automatics most all the time!
From my first days in the flight deck, I have adhered to a short saying, which has always faired me well...."If it's electronic, it's unreliable", and I'm still here to repeat it, some 14,000 hours later!
There, I've said it!
Now bring on the automatics lovers!!
Cheers...FD
