All episodes: sportys.com/podcast
Modern avionics like glass cockpits and sophisticated autopilots demand a new approach to pilot training, what airline pilot and author Chris Lutat calls “automation airmanship.” He explains what that means, why the distinction between pilot flying and pilot monitoring matters even for single pilot operations, and why humans have an essential role-especially in the age of AI. Chris’s flying career began in the Coast Guard, so he also shares lessons learned there and how he’s giving back now as a mentor for cadets. In the Ready to Copy segment, Chris talks about the chances of single-pilot airline flights, what CRM really means, and his tips for handling sea sickness.
QUOTES:
- What automation airmanship is: “We think that the best approach is a blend of traditional airmanship with a real sound understanding of aircraft autoflight.”
- The overlooked role of humans: “I think larger training organizations don’t focus on the importance of the human aspect.”
- When in doubt, fly the airplane: “I’ve never seen any pilot or flight crew win a fist fight with the autoflight.”
- Why pilots should practice with the autopilot: “Being able to smoothly engage and disengage the autoflight is a real skill in today’s aviation environment.”
- AI in the cockpit: “AI and large language models are not designed to handle things as humans normally have historically been able to do, by exerting their flexibility, their judgment, their ability to innovate essentially on the spot.”
- Lessons from Coast Guard flying: “You learn how to be flexible.”
- Good automation airmanship habits: “I think one of the best things that crews can do today is announce when they have engaged or disengage the autoflight, and also announce any mode changes.”
- Single pilot airliners: “In an area that has traditionally and always been an inherently human endeavor… it should remain just that way.”
- Advice for new airline captains: “Three words: ask more questions.”
LINKS:
- Automation Airmanship book: www.amazon.com/Automation-Air...
- Chris's article in AIN: www.ainonline.com/aviation-ne...
- Sporty's Pilot Training+ membership: www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot...