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Sky Kings: Are Pilots Losing Stick and Rudder Skills?

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Pilots require a crucial balance between mastering cockpit automation and maintaining strong hand-flying (stick and rudder) skills for safe and effective flight.
  • While automation offers benefits like workload reduction and improved situational awareness, pilots must avoid over-reliance and be prepared to disengage it when it hinders immediate flight needs.
  • Effective flight training programs are essential for developing proficiency in both automation management and fundamental aircraft control, as both are critical for managing flight risks.
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“Don’t do that. Don’t ever do that,” my instructor said. I was confused. I wasn’t even sure I understood what his complaint was. But when I did, I realized the issue lay at the very heart of the debate about how to deal with cockpit automation.

I said, “Let’s talk about it on the ground.” And so we did — at length. The instructor was, in my opinion, absolutely right and absolutely wrong.

Martha King

Martha King and John King take turns writing Sky Kings. They have shared flying and teaching aviation for more than 50 years.

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