A now classic video out of American Airlines, often referred to as "Children of the Magenta Line", this video provides a great refresher on attitudes on Automation Dependency.
Discussed are the levels of automation and what level is appropriate for what situation. That the autopilot is INCAPABLE of doing many things, like recovering from an upset condition, traffic avoidance and more. But most importantly, what we must do to avoid becoming automation junkies and incapable of handling an in-flight emergency requiring manual control - such as the famous Air France 447 tragedy.
The presenter, like myself advocated turning it all off to maintain pilot proficiency. To use my analogy, when you're called on stage to do your surprise solo performance, you want to have been practicing.
The video concludes: "To maintain pilot proficiency: AP and ATHR OFF".
I'll add one more very important step: FLIGHT DIRECTOR OFF.
For the flight director does 75% of the thinking. Hand flying while following the flight director is well named. For, it's only your hands that are doing the flying, while your brain is may not be fully engaged. Indeed, the FD is doing the thinking! I have seen that when the FD is turned off, pilots suddenly realize that they don't know what pitch attitude to fly for the desired performance. Their scan has to expand from the 1/2 square inch where the FD bars come together. They have to select and maintain a bank angle using the roll reference, not just following the bars. Yes, hand flying with the FD off is a different skill that needs to be practiced.
So, set aside the next 25 minutes and prepare for some time well spent.
Discussed are the levels of automation and what level is appropriate for what situation. That the autopilot is INCAPABLE of doing many things, like recovering from an upset condition, traffic avoidance and more. But most importantly, what we must do to avoid becoming automation junkies and incapable of handling an in-flight emergency requiring manual control - such as the famous Air France 447 tragedy.
The presenter, like myself advocated turning it all off to maintain pilot proficiency. To use my analogy, when you're called on stage to do your surprise solo performance, you want to have been practicing.
The video concludes: "To maintain pilot proficiency: AP and ATHR OFF".
I'll add one more very important step: FLIGHT DIRECTOR OFF.
For the flight director does 75% of the thinking. Hand flying while following the flight director is well named. For, it's only your hands that are doing the flying, while your brain is may not be fully engaged. Indeed, the FD is doing the thinking! I have seen that when the FD is turned off, pilots suddenly realize that they don't know what pitch attitude to fly for the desired performance. Their scan has to expand from the 1/2 square inch where the FD bars come together. They have to select and maintain a bank angle using the roll reference, not just following the bars. Yes, hand flying with the FD off is a different skill that needs to be practiced.
So, set aside the next 25 minutes and prepare for some time well spent.
