You all like to go on ego trips. When I use a computer or a type writer it doesn't mean I have forgotten how to write, spell or count. It means I become proficient at using the equipment and try never get into a situation when I need to revert to using quilt pens, parchment etc. If you want to hone your so great flying skills, go join the red arrows or do crop dusting. I am flying an airliner and I use automation to the hilt to get the results I want. When automation do fail, if it is purely a technical failure and not " ace pilot induced ", I have the reasonable skills and proficiency to deal with it. For I would never ever try to get into a ace pilot induced automation problem because I bloody make sure I am thoroughly proficient in automation use, ( with the the said conditions ) Given Sully's heroic scenario, I could have reasonably done what he did...only thing is that I wouldn't go crowing about it every time the automation debate thingy comes out.