Is the ab-initio stage seen as important these days?
Below is a comment made in connection with the AF447 accident:
Despite multiple stall warnings, including one that lasted continuously for 54 seconds, neither of the copilots acknowledged them nor the appearance of stall buffet.
As we all know, the essence of flying training is a series of building blocks of knowledge and experience - one exercise practised and mastered before progression to the next.
Power + Attitude = Performance
Ex 10 - Recognition of the stall - buffet etc ...
All basic stuff.
I'm not saying, in this over simplistic view, that the AF447 accident would have necessarily been prevented, but basic flying skills were in question.
Is the ab-initio stage seen as important these days?
I agree, it probably isn't to the extent it should be with the whole of modular commercial flight training becoming a 'sausage factory' of cadets trained through organisations with an eye, as you say, on the bottom line.
However, the cost is sometimes incalculable.
Edit:
Interesting comment from another Thread entitled: 'Flight International "Pilots must go back to basics"'
Having owned flight schools and retired from the "heavy metal" sixteen years ago, and having flown both Boeing and Airbus products along with the latest corporate tin, the decline in basic piloting skills is disturbing to say the least, there are good reasons the great mechant ships masters train in little sail boats to obtain the knowledge in ship handling required when the "magic" fails. Of one thing Im sure, unless the industry comes up with a solution ,perfectly serviceable aircraft, on perfect flying days, will continue to crash into perfectly flat ground.