Dr. O
Pattern Altitude
Given the increasing amount of computer driven electronics on modern transport aircraft it may be time for one new control. (ya, ya, ya I can hear the groaning from here)
Check lists become longer exponentially.
Trouble shooting malfunctioned electronics has exceeded the ability of some (many?) pilots to cope while engaged in attempting to keep a bucking bronco machine from stuffing itself into the earth.
Needed is a large, red button (under a safety cover) that will with one exasperated slap from a clenched hand (and jaw) disconnect ALL electronics except a backup system not otherwise incorporated into the automation that will give absolute manual control of the throttle and the yoke/rudder and the trim wheels.
Optional would be (I would include it) a sign that pops up covering the HUD that says:
1. Hit Red Button Again Just To Be Sure
2. Grasp Yoke
3. Feet on rudders
4. Grasp throttle
5. Ab initio pilots, pretend you are back in the sim because real planes are confusing
6. Adjust throttle and trim for level flight per the weight/N1 chart
7. Go back to telling FO about the stu that had a 4 Martini supper and went skinny dipping in the hotel pool during a Baptist Minister Convention
Check lists become longer exponentially.
Trouble shooting malfunctioned electronics has exceeded the ability of some (many?) pilots to cope while engaged in attempting to keep a bucking bronco machine from stuffing itself into the earth.
Needed is a large, red button (under a safety cover) that will with one exasperated slap from a clenched hand (and jaw) disconnect ALL electronics except a backup system not otherwise incorporated into the automation that will give absolute manual control of the throttle and the yoke/rudder and the trim wheels.
Optional would be (I would include it) a sign that pops up covering the HUD that says:
1. Hit Red Button Again Just To Be Sure
2. Grasp Yoke
3. Feet on rudders
4. Grasp throttle
5. Ab initio pilots, pretend you are back in the sim because real planes are confusing
6. Adjust throttle and trim for level flight per the weight/N1 chart
7. Go back to telling FO about the stu that had a 4 Martini supper and went skinny dipping in the hotel pool during a Baptist Minister Convention
