Originally Posted by
USMCFLYR
This is an incredibly shortsighted statement and
shows a lack of understanding in not only accident investigation but in running a team.
Does she say she is an experienced pilot?
She has a HIGHLY trained team of EXPERT mishap investigators around her who are obviously briefing her in great detail and she seems smart enough to absorb it and then present it in a fashion so the rest of layman America (to include the press which we beat up on consistently on the forum) can get a grip on what happened.
Completely agree and well said USMC.
Non-pilots can talk about "auto throttles and PAPI lights" and in many instances could understand nuances of a system better than the average pilot. I'm sure that most of those systems were designed by engineers who are non-pilots, too. The overall concepts are not beyond an intelligent layperson, and she could easily study this stuff and be advised by her staff.
Alas, some doctors have this viewpoint, especially when very young or slightly insecure. It is a very hazardous attitude in my field too. Sometimes the nurse or medical student has a critical piece of information. Arrogance or snobbery can be fatal.
Maybe it should be on the FAA commercial written. Attitude: You're not a pilot, thus you know nothing about aviation. Antidote: I may be able to learn from those with specialized knowledge; I don't know everything.