Back to Basics
Not inferring anything about cause of crash but we as aviators in the industry have to take a look at ourselves and our standards again. Experience cannot be Taught. Airlines in their rush to expand and reduce cost putting inexperienced crews in advanced aircraft with little relevant experience and training. Basic aerodynamics is lost and aircraft manuals don't contain enough in depth information either because manufacturers are cutting cost, or they think it is not necessary for pilots to know, or they think airlines won't put a novice 1000 hour pilot in a long haul big jet or a combination of all these factors. What controls speed during different stages of flight? Ask and see what answers you will get. It is a sad day. Out climbing a tropical thunderstorm? For those of us who have been flying in the tropics seeing these storm brewing and mushrooming in minutes before our eyes, Buffet onset boundary, etc. the real meaning of Maximum, Recommend and Optimum altitudes, and when to declare mayday or pan pan if needed? Flying into a super cell maybe one of them? We in the industry have a whole lot of questions to ask ourselves and need to start now or we will be seeing more disasters to come. Again not trying to infer anything. Just food for thought as we go out to fly today. Rest in Peace all those lost flying the blue skies. Hope better and safer days come.