Readback: June 2018

Your article entitled Seriously Bad IFR Flight in the October 2017 issue is a perfect illustration of the problems caused by technology. Ive been a pilot for 49 years, Im ex-military with my ATP, CFII, and thousands of hours of flight time in everything from helicopters to jets to biplanes.

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The author argues that modern, complex GPS and glass panel avionics are detrimental to pilot safety and proficiency, causing mental overload and increasing accident risk.
Unlike older, intuitive analog systems, modern avionics demand extensive training and practice, shifting pilot focus from "aviating" to programming computers.
Many pilots, particularly those who don't fly full-time, struggle to master these complex systems, leading some to quit aviation rather than face potential crashes.

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Automation is Killing Us

Your article entitled “Seriously Bad IFR Flight” in the October 2017 issue is a perfect illustration of the problems caused by technology. I’ve been a pilot for 49 years, I’m ex-military with my ATP, CFII, and thousands of hours of flight time in everything from helicopters to jets to biplanes.

I have a C129 GPS in my personal airplane and I like it. However the new GPS and glass panel systems are too complex; they’re killing pilots. The pilot in the article got to his destination and the fact that he made several approach attempts tells me that he could fly the airplane in IMC. His demise was way too much difficulty with his avionics. He could not get his panel set up correctly. I’m willing to bet that if this pilot had nothing more than a single VOR/LOC receiver with a glideslope he’d be alive and well today.