Open letter:

In the last few weeks we have had two accidents that could be attributed to simple pilot error. I believe that we are in transition between a fully automated flight environment and a partial manual flown flight environment. The hazard is that hand flying skills will fade in the presence of heavy automation and lead to increased accidents.

It will become evident that we have moved passed a time where hand flying is a viable flight condition and into an era where full automation will become the normal situation.

If you are in your twenties you will see the advent of artificial intelligence and ground control in the flight deck. As pilots we will be reduced to monitoring elements whose primary function is to serve as emergency back up. Wages, job satisfaction, and working conditions will continue to fall to a point just above flight attendant. All the while you are investing the cost of a starter house to become trained and educated.

Think about it. The sun is setting.

Skyhigh