You memorize it, and you are tested on it all the time," said Elwell, who was an American Airlines pilot for 16 years. Pilots are lacking 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 training and the aircraft ’s anti - stalling technology . Federal Aviation Administration acting Administrator Daniel Elwell said pilots in both accidents appeared to have made mistakes and did n’t deal with a computer system early enough . Industry analysts said automation has made it one of the safest means of transport although pilots must be able to take over if necessary .
Pilots are lacking 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 training and the aircraft ’s anti - stalling technology . Federal Aviation Administration acting Administrator Daniel Elwell said pilots in both accidents appeared to have made mistakes and did n’t deal with a computer system early enough . Industry analysts said automation has made it one of the safest means of transport although pilots must be able to take over if necessary .