I really must respond to the endorsement of Capt Halliday's "TOP SIX MYTHS"
about automation! While these are a gimmicky reflection of the fact that there
ARE challenges in the man-machine interface, they are more positively reflected
as TRAINING CHALLENGES which CAN and ARE overcome; an extension of "learning to
fly". Given the tools, let's not assume that they are too hard: let's learn how
to use them properly.
I am not surmising; rather reflecting the accumulated lessons of recent
experience. As the launch Flying Training Manager for the recent Airbus
Introduction at Cathay Pacific Airways, and now Policy Manager, I have kept a
finger on the pulse of the man-machine interface closely for the last two years.
20 x A340, A330, and B777 aircraft have been introduced to the airline in 24
months; 375 pilots have been type rated on these types, and many more are
coming. Two internal surveys have been conducted on this pilot group, providing
real lessons of today, rather than speculative assumptions derived from data
bases of yesterday.
TRAINING has to be APPROPRIATE for high technology aircraft. Effective task
sharing and communications (essential elements of CRM) are more vital than ever,
and MUST be taught effectively, with the support of the entire organisation.
Automation is a terrific tool for pilots, and a superb flight safety enhancer
(check on the exponential improvement in safety with the progressive
introduction of higher levels of automation to the industry), but like any new
concept, cannot be taught using training programmes from the past.
Let's get the issues more balanced, and avoid falling into the trap of clever
(academic) manipulation of unproven ideas and uninformed "hobby horses". These
do not accommodate the realities of the industry well, and can lead to
unnecesary effort focussed in the wrong direction.
One of the biggest challenges for me has been managing the attitudes of new
trainees entering high technology training programmes with strong negative mind
sets formed from uninformed hype. Most of these mind sets dissappear when
trainees became exposed to the "real thing".
Let's derive our recommendations for CRM development from fact, not fiction.
This act alone will contribute much to "good pilot attitudes" to training for
new technology and consequentally improved flight safety. Believe it or not,
designers DO involve flight crew in design, and do NOT design modern airliners
so that they will crash!
Remember the Senior Air Force Officer in the 20s who refused to order
monoplanes; "less than two wings will not be acceptable to us". Let's not
promote the "mental paradygm"; that embedded human trait.
My respect goes out to those who set up this E-mail forum - it is a great idea,
THANKS!
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