jackranga
What a wank, you blokes don't reckon anybody's gunna be as good as you, do you?
Calm down Jack. What he said is correct.
He's not dissing the ability of anyone. Guys that flew the range back in the very early IFR days would say the same about the VOR etc.
Given the same training, newer generation pilots would be just as good at pure instrument flying skills as the older generation that cut their teeth on older systems. The introduction of newer technology isn't allowing the development of some of the skills.
Today it's moving more towards understanding and managing flight systems than hands on flying skills and it's possible the newer generation are better at understanding the flight systems.
Both pure flying skill and good systems management are needed. There's certainly evidence that pure manipulative skills have declined in recent times ala AF 447.
I seriously doubt that any ATO in Aus would allow any autopilot on the test.
In NZ you generally have to show ability with and without the auto pilot. You can do the whole thing without an autopilot but then you are endorsed as "No Auto pilot" on your IR.