In the UK spring is here, the sun is shining, the bulbs are blooming, and
the Bluecoat/CRM Developers have come alive (for this pilot) !
The discussions regarding Design Philosophy are fascinating, particularly
as I joined these groups in order to increase my knowledge on just such
matters - the electronic flight deck and its evolution; perhaps also with
the vain hope of contributing to that evolution in a minuscule way, as well
as being able to teach it better.
One contributor claimed that Airbus Industry were designing by revolution
rather evolution. Pedantic perhaps, but although system design in some
areas was far reaching, it basically was evolutionary. There was nothing
new in FBW, and the systems design had all been well used in the A300/600 &
A310 family.
To infer that airlines are stupid enough to buy aircraft because of the
flashy bells and whistles installed is puerile ! The only reason an airline
will order a certain type is because it has been evaluated as best fitted
for their particular requirement. Not only the aircraft, but the "whole
package" including finance etc etc.
Back in the sixties, flying DC3s and other such aircraft, there were pilots
I admired; they always seemed to be able to get another couple of knots out
of the aircraft, their approaches (manual of course !) were always
immaculate with no speed variations, the needles crossed as though they
were stuck. But these guys were the exception, not the rule.
As design has evolved, the manufacturers have taken the inconsistencies of
manual pilotage further and further out of the loop. However galling it may
be, the aircraft can do it better than I can - every time ! The aircraft
fly consistently to the standards of my "old heroes", in worse weather, and
more economically. Even Ernest Gann (another hero !) noted that when he
went airline flying, the old joys of barnstorming were over - his pleasures
had to be gained from other areas of his profession.
I think that, apart from George B, 2 contributors have really hit the nail
on the head - Neil Krey and John Bent. The new technology we HAVE to live
with, there's no going back. And it's not bad, it's good. But we must TRAIN
it better. The EFD is now realised as being different to the old technology
flight deck. We are all beginning to learn properly about stuff we have
assumed for years - situational awareness, leadership, followership,
communications etc etc etc. Those of us lucky enough to train have an
enormous responsibility to ensure that we teach not only the technicalities
- but also the philosophies - well.
If some of you guys think the A320/330/340 family is one stage too far too
soon, I suggest you think about venting your spleen on manufacturers'
technical courses - and this is not aimed at AI. Design we may be able to
influence in the future - regretting the past will do no good. Getting the
manufacturers to teach their shiny new (heavily designed !) beasts, warts
and all, properly, will give us airline training staff a much better chance
of teaching the guys & gals well. I've been there with the F100 and the
A300/600 - I won't tell you which was worst !
In the last 35 years I've been fortunate enough to fly - amongst others -
the Comet 4, B707, L1011, A300/600, B747, DC9, F100. I know where the
future is - and it's not the B707 ! Now, if we could get the manufacturers
to combine the handling of the A300/600, the FMP/PFD/ND/FMS of the F100,
the systems of the A3*0 family - and have all Training Captains fully
qualified aviation psychologists, we would be beginning to get there ! (And
I'm not sure if I need a black thing between my knees either, table and
tablecloth sounds much better).
To finish this pontification, I have a sense of deja vu with most of the
negative arguments - haven't we heard them all almost exactly a year ago
under the thread "Handflying" on Bluecoat ? As Bert Ruiterkamp said, "if
you want to practice your manual flying skills, go down the flying club on
your days off. Our pasengers deserve better than that".
My airline is pondering its re-equipment moves. A321 - B757 - B737/800.
I'll willingly buy a tablecloth !
Roger M
F100/70 Training Captain
British Midland LHR