Comments on: Pilot or System Manager?

By: Ed Chappell

Ed Chappell — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 16:55:07 +0000

I retired on the Airbus 330 after 35 years and six jet type ratings. I returned to GA with the purchase of a Piper Archer two years after retirement, and am both delighted and alarmed with the advances in avionics. I am fortunate to have a 6-pack aircraft with GPS, autopilot, TIS and weather installed. So much for the good, but when I look at the complexity of the G1000 for example, and synthetic vision, I wonder if we haven’t gone too far. The computer chip has enabled the inclusion of features that are unnecessary and add complexity. Perhaps this appeals to a generation of future pilots who are immersed in “tech”, but I can see the once sufficient one hour check out at the FBO to rent being a thing of the past. With synthetic vision I can see a lot of “scud running” in the future.

When I went for my first BFR to become active again, the instructor became upset when I didn’t begin to slip the airplane at 1000 feet to compensate for the crosswind. At first I didn’t understand what he was upset about, but when he said this was how his flight school taught crosswind correction, I was stunned. How is this supposed to work when you are confronted with a 15 kt crosswind after a 200 and 1/2 approach? The ability to transition form a crab to a slip at the last moment is essential to an instrument pilot. Stick and rudder skills are in decline because they aren’t being taught.

By: Sharon Newman Stewart

Sharon Newman Stewart — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 14:51:39 +0000

I learned to fly with the standard “6 pack”, paper sectional, and an old style E6B. Transitioned to glass and was amazed at the increased situational awareness. However, it is always in the back of mind that there could be PFD or MFD failure at any time. I am thankful that I learned to fly the old fashioned way. I think flight schools should emphasize actual “seat of the pants” flying skills before transitioning or even starting students on glass. It’s a scary thought that there are professional pilots out there with marginal actual flying skills.

By: Cris Simmons

Cris Simmons — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 12:44:20 +0000

Awesome article Bruce!!

I too, started in the early 70′s. After almost 21 years USN flying, and nearly 22 major airline, I have witnessed the fact that basic piloting skills have decreased across all experience levels. One of the big emphasis items in recurrent training these days is “Stick and Rudder” proficiency. It’s a great thing; and good that we start re-emphasizing at all levels of instruction/training.

By: Tony O'Brien

Tony O'Brien — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 12:04:09 +0000

I learned to fly in the Army, we had two choices, solo at 9 hours or be reassigned, my fear was the mess hall. In the 70′s flying was all about flying, there wasn’t much to get in the way.

Today, I spend more time learning, studying and understanding not only all the regulations, airspace req., radio, GPS navigation etc. flying seems at times to get in the way. IFR single pilot, turn on the auto pilot and get to work. The burden of flying and meeting all the req. assignments are daunting.

None the less I would have it no other way. The world moves forward so does our passion. I can tall you this. Pilots are one group of very smart people, we know and use more knowledge to get from Cleveland to Boston than anyone else.