PJ2,
Thanks (again) for your erudite and informative post.
IMHO, if THE FLYING PUBLIC, not only those "in the know," were to be made fully aware of this situation (never an easy proposition), the effect on the industry would be devastating. 'Twould be a huge scandal.
Speaking as a self-elected representative for SLF everywhere, being flown by "pilots" who CAN'T FLY THE AIRPLANE is absolutely, unconditionally UNACCEPTABLE. As discussed earlier, having pilots who can hand-fly the pane in a pickle is not only a reasonable expectation of every passenger, but must be mandatory.
I, too am shocked that this is even controversial at all. I don't care HOW much it costs the airlines-- this has to change, in the grim and bloody light of AF 447. If it doesn't, there will be more tragedies of this kind until it is fixed.
