Even as a kid, I recognized the hyperbole in the old clich about my elders having it tough, walking to school two miles through heavy snow-uphill in both directions. So any time I start down the path of When I was younger… something inside me clicks and I quickly change gears. Until now.
The author criticizes the trend of new pilot trainers being "technically advanced," arguing that initial instruction should prioritize fundamental "stick and rudder" skills over complex panel operations.
He warns that over-reliance on automation during early training risks creating pilots who are more "operators" than "aviators," citing real-world incidents where a lack of basic piloting skills proved catastrophic when systems failed.
A solution is proposed: equip technically advanced trainers with a "basic mode" that hides complex features, allowing students to focus solely on essential flight fundamentals before introducing advanced systems.
Even as a kid, I recognized the hyperbole in the old clich about my elders having it tough, walking to school two miles through heavy snow—uphill in both directions. So any time I start down the path of “When I was younger…” something inside me clicks and I quickly change gears. Until now.
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