Navmode and Squawk 7777, quite true, in an age of media-induced cynicism and superficiality (like visiting L. A...). The next time some layman with computer game aviation hours thinks he/she can do the job better, show them your Aircraft Oper. Manual and its aircraft systems chapters. They might need to glance at the various flows, sequences and multiple normal checklists, SOPA and normal maneuvers descriptions, Flight Ops Manual and COM, with its many limitations+ abnormal checklist/supplemental ops chapters.
Would they accept a plane with an inop thrust reverser or autopilot? How about 25 minutes contingency fuel, but no alternate fuel for a two hour flight? How about last minute rainshowers: simply assume it is ok to land on a 7,000 ft wet runway with a gusty 25 knot crosswind? Will the computer at home allow them one procedure turn approach to an airport next to a large mountain in Montana, at night with a 500 ft ceiling, er, reported ceiling, an hour ago? How do they turn on the runway lights and cancel IFR? Whether a pilot is with a regional (hired at about US minimum wage...as FO) national, or major airline, there is no protection against being laid off. Each the US majors have laid off between a few hundred and a thousand pilots in the last year.
As these books are carefully placed on their lap after they sit in the cockpit, you might ask them how all of this applies to the job in contrast to moving a control stick at home, as they dwell on it.
As stated below, we can always walk away when we are shot down from 500' by a computerized enemy bomber or flak.
Last edited by Ignition Override; 21st September 2002 at 19:48.