Quote:
Originally Posted by bar10dah
I got a wrench to throw into the works!
The next time you, or your wife/kids, fly commercial... do you want them flying in a plane with simple controls from a 1940s Cub? Or the automation of a modern aircraft? 
But really, it's all about the tools. We should be able to choose what tools we want and what we don't want. From what I've been reading in the current Porsche rags, the hardcore racing heritage Porsche drivers don't mind the modern electronics in Porsches, just as long as it's an option and they can opt-out. |
If the pilots of Air France FLT 447 had spent more time in a 40's era aircraft, they'd have not ended up riding a stalled aircraft into the sea killing 216 passengers. That is a notable example of users focusing on technology rather than skill. Dreadful outcome due to a technological malfunction an out come that could have been avoided using basic aeronautical concepts learned in private pilot training...
I see the same thing happening as personal aircraft become more technologically advanced, safety improves statistically, but skill sets atrophy as technology is increasingly relied upon. Most pilots I know are heavily dependent on GPS. Their ability to use other navaids and or dead reckoning has suffered as a result.
There's a balance, and each technological advance must be analyzed on it's own merits...