Of course, being quite happy flying the DC9 with virtually NO automation, I asked: what happens when the gadgets break and the plane is in trouble.
He said it wouldn't happen.
Tom thats the part of the Professor's reply that makes his observation invalid. Too many "smart people" put their faith in technology and its supposed reliability. Research the philosophy behind the 777 FT-ADIRU then look up the report on the MAS 777 out of Perth, Australia.