Retaining hard earned skills

It might be timely however to review where aviation technology is heading and determine whether we can be smarter in its application. For example, long haul pilots may now only log 10-20 hours of actual ‘stick’ time across 700-800 flying hours in a year. This is all entirely legal and pilots have passed the mandatory regular flight simulator checks. These pilots have usually gained their earlier experience in GA and the regional airlines where the flying is often very hands on. I remember an experienced 747 captain saying how challenged he had felt flying a Cessna 182 on a cross country solo IFR flight. Technology has relieved many RPT crews of some of the more tedious aspects of flying but has there been any affect on the basic manipulative skills?

Fly by wire controls are an accepted part of most new larger RPT aircraft. They save weight and have multiple redundancies, albeit all computer based. This same technology has found its way into car and motorcycle manufacturing with their fly by wire throttles but usually without the backup systems…much to the chagrin of some owners whose throttles have stuck wide open. This is not the case in aviation but are we becoming too reliant on computer back-up when things really hit the fan? What is the back up for the computers and how much time is spent by crews diagnosing computer problems? Is there a case for a final flight control hydraulic/mechanical redundancy and that we accept the weight penalty?

GPS has been an enormous boon to aviation with outstanding reliability and increased safety outcomes including delivering many sweating GA pilots safely to their destinations. However has this led to a deterioration in basic navigations skills that might be required when the screens go blank? Are plot lines still being drawn on maps, to be consulted if needed?

Modern glass cockpits have great ergonomics and increasing simplicity. The technological advances within the cockpit have been breathtaking with manufacturers trying to outdo each other with new wizardry. However I still notice on new aircraft basic ASI, AH and altimeters tucked away in discrete corners. Long may they remain.

Anyone who spends time with people under 18 will understand how comfortable this generation is with computer generated technology…how can you breathe without it? These are our future pilots and engineers. Will they be given the complex skills that hear a subtle problem in an engine/propeller, pick up a part and know it’s not right, or have a ‘feel for the air’ that all good pilots possess?

There is no doubt statistically that aviation safety is improving. We should aim however for zero tolerance with respect to mistakes or accidents. This may sound extreme but aviation can be an unforgiving environment.

This is not argument against further technological advances. That would be stupid. It would be like trying to put toothpaste back in the tube so let us use these advances wisely. Rather, do we have a balanced, considered view of where we are heading and the possible ongoing role of some older, reliable systems and skills. Are we in danger of throwing the baby out with the bathwater?