All could have been saved if the crew had acted correctly than doing the opposite, making the already bad situation worse, that led to 228 fatalities. The required corrective measures, in the form of human interventions, were either “very late” in coming or, the actions taken, which made it even worse, seem to have contributed to the accident itself! The analysis of black box data of Air France flight 447, lost in mid Atlantic in 2009 due to high altitude deep stall, lays bare as a text book case. There have been some cases which showed a clear relation of pilots flying skills and senses being rusted to the extent leading to much reduced situational awareness especially in a “glass cockpit” environment. Automation has not reached the point where it can handle all contingencies. But it will always remain less perfect as the final authority of the flight rests with an “imperfect” human, who by very nature, can make serious lapse of judgement at times and it is more true during emergencies. There is no limit to what automation cannot do because of possibilities offered by software programming.Ī perfect system of cockpit automation may be possible only in theory. The pilot has now to program FMC, a stage above the controller in the order chain. The third level of automation marks the introduction of Flight Management Computer (FMC). The pilot at this level of automation had the responsibility of programming and monitoring the autopilot functions. All sorts of navigation or altitude related information, like specifying the rate of climb or descent, or even provide routing details could be programmed through it. The second level of automation came with introduction of “controllers” which told the autopilot what to do. It removed the pilot from operating controls manually which distanced him from actually feeling of aircraft response. The most basic form of autopilot was able to establish on predetermined “heading” and “level” by manipulating appropriate flight controls. Concerns have been growing lately that airline pilots’ basic stick, rudder and energy management skills have significantly weakened with the advent of automation.Ĭockpit automation began with installation of “autopilots” that helped stabilize an aircraft’s attitude through mechanical manipulation of the flight control surfaces. Ironically, it has also led to evolvement of newer and even bigger safety concerns as seen in various instances. The current level of automation has progressed to the extent pilots are busy just for couple of minutes before landings and after take-offs. The automation progressed, incrementally, over a protracted period and it has enhanced aviation safety, increased efficiency and reduced pilot’s workload. This piece aims to present a brief overview of safety related issues arising out of over reliance on cockpit automation. Concerns have been growing that airline pilots’ basic stick, rudder and energy management skills have weakened with automation
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