Originally Posted by scambo1

I can't dispute that automation reliance contributes to difficulties in handling emergencies. In fact, it contributes to difficulties in handling some normal ops.

Back to my original premise, it's up to the individual to work to be a better pilot.

Excessive checklists might also have been contributory in the A380 case...just sayin. However, they had compounded emergencies. Not just a simple engine failure.

Wasn't it swissair who had some form of fire on board, who decided it was more important to run checklist rather than just land and un-a$$ the plane?

I'm not knocking simulators, but when was the last time you simulated an engine failure coupled with a (main) hydraulic failure and a fire that wouldn't go out with an airport that was in a bowl (no straight out departure option).

I'm not trying to build some kobiyashi Maru scenario, but practicing simple/ single failures isn't that tough and not even necessarily real world.

When I fly polar, 800 miles from the nearest concrete, it isn't an engine failure that concerns me. It's the fire that won't go out.