Automation? Friend Or Foe?

Automation is a routine part of our lives now, dictated by sweeping new technologies and consumer preferences. Arguably, the trend toward automation began in aviation in the 1970s. It has been debated and resisted by many in the aviation community, but the game has recently changed for both the airlines and general aviation. Yet, our culture is still firmly grounded in the Lindbergh white scarf era, aided and abetted by a pilot training system with roots traceable to the period just after that epic flight.

Key Takeaways:

• Pilot training systems are critically outdated, failing to equip aviators with the necessary skills to effectively manage the increasing prevalence and complexity of automation in modern aircraft.
• Major accidents highlight that a profound loss of situational awareness, often linked to insufficient automation understanding, is a primary causal factor, emphasizing the need for advanced cognitive skills over solely basic stick-and-rudder abilities.
• To ensure safety and leverage new technologies, pilots must develop "higher-order" skills, including automation and risk management, which are core components of Single Pilot Resource Management (SRM).
• The future of aviation is undeniably automated, necessitating urgent training reform to focus on these advanced skill sets, move past traditional mindsets, and ensure pilots remain engaged and proficient in highly automated environments.

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