Mach,
While not disputing your comments, I think your assessment is a little too simplistic.
I doubt there is a politician or aviation bureaucrat alive anywhere in this country, who would put their name to any regulatory change that could be in any way be construed as contributing to a regional airliner accident or incident in the future, regardless of the ultimate cause.
As far as automation goes, lets not forget that automation in all its forms on the flight deck is only an aid to navigation and it is not a replacement for trained, skilled and experienced pilots.
If the GPS and EFIS fails due to electrical problems or lightning strikes, etc, the pilots must be able to land safely using backup instruments, map, compass, pencil, watch and brains. Worldwide there is now a large body of human factors CRM knowledge highlighting the folly of automation over reliance and the associated loss of pilot situational awareness as a contributing factor in accidents and incidents.
Commercial air service operators can 'bleat' about 'poaching' each others pilots and the need for cadet programmes, etc., but the Government and CASA are ultimately responsible for regulating air safety and the media is very active in reminding the public of that responsibility everytime there is an accident or incident.
The Oracle
Last edited by THE ORACLE; 11th Jan 2011 at 03:18.