Carruthers -
Still digging those huge holes for yourself?
How useful are my skills when "flying cat3b, deploying the flaps?" Very useful. Besides, how often do we fly to Cat3B limits? Most of us find ourselves flying to airfields which simply do not have that facility, and many airfields have far from ideal facilities. Then our skills are essential.
We are having to consider more and more factors whilst flying - security for example has taken on a much higher profile - so our skills are more necessary than ever. Now they may be less pure stcik'n'rudder skills and more flight and operations management skills, but they are still essential.
Besides, how is the world's first automated airliner going to cope with angry passengers facing a 12 hour delay? What decision will it take if the catering is 12 meals short?
Most uf us enjoy flying and enjoy the challenges that come with it. We enjoy exercising our skills to ensure that our operations proceed punctually and reliably. It is perhaps a measure of our success that management and passengers alike have become utterly complacent about it, and now fail to appreciate the service they receive.