correct answer to the question "don't you just push buttons?!"
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: uk
correct answer to the question "don't you just push buttons?!"
I need to get some ammo for those people that when finding out you're a pilot then reply "don't you just push buttons, I mean its all automatic isn't it?" GRRRRRRR!!!! 
I end up waffling for so long on how thats not true that people get confused/bored!! So, bullet points would be useful! hehe!
woops....sorry mods, was meant to go in JB....please move!
I end up waffling for so long on how thats not true that people get confused/bored!! So, bullet points would be useful! hehe!
woops....sorry mods, was meant to go in JB....please move!
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: south africa
An airline pilot may just push buttons but you can always point out what happens if the wrong button is pushed
Im being naughty here - playing devils advocate
On a more serious note:
1. you can always point out then why, if its just a case of pushing buttons, there are not more pilots out there.
2. Computers and gadgets have been known to fail due to mechanical errors so one needs to know what to do if this happens.
Generally, when I tell someone Im a pilot there first response is "But your a girl"
Im being naughty here - playing devils advocate
On a more serious note:
1. you can always point out then why, if its just a case of pushing buttons, there are not more pilots out there.
2. Computers and gadgets have been known to fail due to mechanical errors so one needs to know what to do if this happens.
Generally, when I tell someone Im a pilot there first response is "But your a girl"
Paid up
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: UK
There was a great comic line by Eric Morcambe; when confronted by some famous pianist, who claimed Eric's rendition of his piece was rubbish, Eric replied that he played exactly the same notes........just not necessarily in the same order.
When accused being just a button presser, therefore by implication unskilled, perhaps you could adapt Eric's retort to put the desired point across?
When accused being just a button presser, therefore by implication unskilled, perhaps you could adapt Eric's retort to put the desired point across?
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 13
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From: London-UK
"don't you just push buttons, I mean its all automatic isn't it?"
Happened to me before many times,
last time i said something along the lines of :"I’d explain it to you, but I don’t have any crayons with me." It shut him right up, and he steered clear of me for the rest of the Sem.
Increase the Peace
and keep it real.
last time i said something along the lines of :"I’d explain it to you, but I don’t have any crayons with me." It shut him right up, and he steered clear of me for the rest of the Sem.
Increase the Peace
and keep it real.
Joined: Dec 1998
Posts: 4,282
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From: Escapee from Ultima Thule
"Yes, we are. But it takes many, many years of training & practice to develop the skills necessary to know in an instant which, of the many hundreds available, is the correct button to push to prevent all on board experiencing a horrible, excruciatingly painful death."
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2000
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
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From: UK
A line I heard from a surgeon once covers it.
He explained that for a standard operation such as, for-example, removing an appendix he could teach a bright adult how to do it in half a day.
But, to teach the same bright adult what to do if something went wrong would take about another five years.
So, "yes I do - so long as nothing goes wrong".
G
He explained that for a standard operation such as, for-example, removing an appendix he could teach a bright adult how to do it in half a day.
But, to teach the same bright adult what to do if something went wrong would take about another five years.
So, "yes I do - so long as nothing goes wrong".
G
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 19
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From: UK
devils advocate
Soooooo Moo/birdlady, as pilots know EXACTLY whats happens when they push a button or if they press the wrong button.....
Why do you think it takes four years to train an engineer and only one year for a pilot to get his frozen ATPL?
I think that generally speaking our pilot brethren are smart and know a fair amount of whats going on with the aircraft. But I dont think for one minute they could actually explain whats happening with systems or specifics of what does happen when they push that little button.
having experience in both fields, I think there is a certain level of hmmmm professional respect missing here?!
I do know of many pilots with assumed knowledge, but there is a term that Im sure you have heard whispered over the VHF when calling in for tech support? It is above all doubt the pilots worst enemy.
Finger trouble.
In answer to your request for one liner ammunition, remind them of the reason for the 747 having a humped roof.
For when the pilot has to sit on his wallet.
Why do you think it takes four years to train an engineer and only one year for a pilot to get his frozen ATPL?
I think that generally speaking our pilot brethren are smart and know a fair amount of whats going on with the aircraft. But I dont think for one minute they could actually explain whats happening with systems or specifics of what does happen when they push that little button.
having experience in both fields, I think there is a certain level of hmmmm professional respect missing here?!
I do know of many pilots with assumed knowledge, but there is a term that Im sure you have heard whispered over the VHF when calling in for tech support? It is above all doubt the pilots worst enemy.
Finger trouble.
In answer to your request for one liner ammunition, remind them of the reason for the 747 having a humped roof.
For when the pilot has to sit on his wallet.
Shining Example, apparently...
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 288
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From: Lone Star State
FlayinSpanner, I suspect you're trolling. If not, a word to the wise: The trick to playing Devil's Advocate is to know what you're talking about.
I'm an engineer for profit and a pilot for pleasure - only a PPL, but could describe in gruesome detail the actions of pressing each button. And with more than a passing knowledge of the ATP/ATPL syllabus, I can assure you that our higher-flying brethren could do the same.
Of course, we may pretend not to know, to avoid perplexing simpler minds...
I dont think for one minute they could actually explain whats happening with systems or specifics of what does happen when they push that little button.
Of course, we may pretend not to know, to avoid perplexing simpler minds...
Jet Blast Rat
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Sarfend-on-Sea
Spanner
As an ATPL instructor I can back up Crepello assure you that, at some stage, the holder of an ATPL has learnt what happens when he "pushes a button", or makes any other action for that matter. He or she learns the general case here, and any specifics during the type-rating training. Some of them may not remember or connect all they know, but that is the case for any training. However I know many people who take great pride in knowing exactly what goes on in their aircraft, and they are usually the best pilots.
Couldn't even hope to repair the thing, even with 4 years training, so much respect to you and all the engineers I know. That is not my aptitude - I fly, I teach and on an academic level I understand the systems well. The rest I leave to the people who are good with machines.
As an ATPL instructor I can back up Crepello assure you that, at some stage, the holder of an ATPL has learnt what happens when he "pushes a button", or makes any other action for that matter. He or she learns the general case here, and any specifics during the type-rating training. Some of them may not remember or connect all they know, but that is the case for any training. However I know many people who take great pride in knowing exactly what goes on in their aircraft, and they are usually the best pilots.
Couldn't even hope to repair the thing, even with 4 years training, so much respect to you and all the engineers I know. That is not my aptitude - I fly, I teach and on an academic level I understand the systems well. The rest I leave to the people who are good with machines.
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 267
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From: uk
Bizarrely spanner, I was an avionic engineer with 8 years experience on heavy metal, with a very reputable British airline who's training was first class, now I am in to my ATPL training, I am frequently asked by members of my class for in-depth explanations of particular systems that they find tough, or cannot find adequate explanations for.
I loved engineering with a passion and I miss it, but I love flying much more so. I wouldn't change the path i've taken to the cockpit, as my 'professional respect' is mutual for both disciplines
I loved engineering with a passion and I miss it, but I love flying much more so. I wouldn't change the path i've taken to the cockpit, as my 'professional respect' is mutual for both disciplines
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 849
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From: UK
Pilots can answer any question once you give us the 4 options!!! 
"Yes sir/madam, I do push buttons and get paid handsomely for it. I presume that this means you must be one of the fools who actually have to work for a living?"
"Yes sir/madam, I do push buttons and get paid handsomely for it. I presume that this means you must be one of the fools who actually have to work for a living?"