Are pilots losing their skill?
 

http://old.news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110...ots_automation


Are they forgetting how to fly? It's also interesting that 3 of the "recent" major crashes were essentially caused by poor pilot decisions.

Pilot Flying Skills
 

I don't believe so! But it is true that short distance regional pilots are usually more proficient in actual day-to-day Take Offs and Landings, than let's say a long distance international crew, who does most of their proficiency or currency flying in the simulator.
As far as commercial accidents or close call mishaps are concerned, complacency and overconfidence with some of the most experienced pilots are often the main cause - besides adverse weather.
Just my "5-cents" worth, as a relatively "low-time" US Private Pilot flying mostly SEL aircraft. - Cheers and Happy Landings - Menko :D

Thread title's been corrected so that makes moot the several posts (now deleted) pointing out the error. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator.

Well, let's see: Chesley Burnett "Sully" Sullenberger III piloted Airbus A320 family aircraft, so he must have lost it, right?

Pilots are required to undergo simulator training and checks as well as cockpit checks with a check pilot on a regular basis, and required to recover aircraft from a variety of unusual attitudes, instrument losses, engine losses and other emergency conditions (simulators are often hair-raisingly realistic on these issues - pilots come out of the sim with a lot more sweat stains than they wen in with).

In a word, "no!" ;)

All modern pilots must be skill-less knuckle-draggers, partcularly if Yahoo says so. I mean, we see at least one disaster per 10,000,000 flights, right? Sheesh, what's wrong with them??? :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Just to point out, I don't really agree with the article, just thought it was an interesting read and something to ponder.

Agreed.
A dead stick landing on water in a heavy commercial airliner is not exactly a walk in the park with a Cocker Spaniel.
I trust the skill of these men and women that fly us.
They have not let me down yet. ;)