Quote: "But commercial flying is about systems management and the element of piloting is relatively limited"
That statement is true indeed but what happens when that goes out the window? your
is the simple answer.
Anyone can fly a plane, and its all great when things go well but when it does go wrong thats when your skills come into play and thats what the airlines are paying you for. If it was the Airlines way they would make unmanned aircraft because it will be cheaper than pilots but obviously the public wont fly on it.
Unfortunately the way its going a kid out of college can apply for a pilot job and get it instantly a bit like a bus driver, and they will give you a 3-4 week course and your done. With technology getting better and humans relying more on machine than there own ability this will be the case in the future.
Gliding and flying in small GA aircraft is real RAW data flying.
And I want to say ive done it.
'There's a big difference between a pilot and an aviator. One is a technician; the other is an artist in love with flight '- E.B. Jeppesen