Pilots are losing basic flying skills because of automation and are relying on autopilots too much, says Professor Les Westbrooks of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. These comments were made after the recent crashes of Boeing 737 Max airliners, with investigators examining both pilot actions and the aircraft’s anti-stalling technology. Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA) records show that there have been nine fatal accidents involving commercial aircraft since 2000. Veteran airline pilot John Cox said it's clear that automation overall has made flying safer. Industry analysts said automation has made aviation one of the safest means of transport although pilots must be able to take over if necessary.
Pilots are losing basic flying skills because of automation and are relying on autopilots too much, says Professor Les Westbrooks of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. These comments were made after the recent crashes of Boeing 737 Max airliners, with investigators examining both pilot actions and the aircraft’s anti-stalling technology. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records show that there have been nine fatal accidents involving commercial aircraft since 2000. Industry analysts said automation has made aviation one of the safest means of transport although pilots must be able to take over if necessary.