Originally Posted by
Sink r8
There are also tool devices. Take for example the HUD/HGS on the 737. It doesn't work on everyone the same way: a good guy remains a good guy. But if you already have a propensity for toolishness, it magnifies it.
If you're starting the trip, and the Captain shows signs already, the minute they bring it down, first putting their hat on backwards like a U-Boat commander stepping up to a periscope, you get confirmation. I don't know exactly what it is, but as the green glow gently overtakes their sweaty forhead, and droplets form underneath the comb-over, you get the feeling they're far, far away, in some universe where tools roam free. It goes away when they give it one long, loving glance, as they put it back in its' little HUD blanket, and fold it away, ever so tenderly. Then they start to figure out a way to make the layover miserable.
Speed tape dyslexia in the HUD is not "tool" but it is scary to watch. The worst is a missed approach after the automation (auto throttles are OFF). I can see how it happens, but it (at another airline) makes the other guy revert back to his primary flight instruction days of twenty years ago. Power, no ADD POWER, watch your airspeed, AIRSPEED LOW, ADD POWER, LOWER THE NOSE. Perhaps the best way to avoid this is ... if we go missed, can we put away the HUD?
The combo that seems to get folks; high and a little fast (ATC helps ya get there by asking you to go fast then keeping you high to avoid traffic) then hustling down to try to catch the approach from above near, or at idle, auto throttles try to hold >40% N1 so they get turned OFF. Never catch approach, go missed with head in HUGS and AT OFF. The aircraft was fast and high, but at 15 degrees nose up, dirty at idle ...