(semi) automation
I read with great interest the inputs from professional pilots who obviously know the systems they operate to great detail. However, I get a little sceptical when it would appear that aircraft systems have developed to such high levels of complexity for something that, in my relative ignorance, seems to be a simple function.
The implication from some of the technical posts is that there are significant number of combinations which can result in various levels of automation and it would be relatively easy for a distracted, tired, confused crew to be on the 'wrong page', as it were. To one who is routinely faced with an autopilot on/off option and not much more, this seems to be a possible contributory factor. Do we really need so many options in order to satisfy the fundamental of Power + Attitude = Performance?