Union Calls for Pilots to Focus on Basic Skills

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) is urging a renewed focus on essential flying skills as automation becomes increasingly prevalent in commercial aviation. During a discussion at the Skift Aviation Forum in Fort Worth, Texas, ALPA first vice president Wendy Morse, a Boeing 787 captain, emphasized the importance of pilots "returning to their roots" by consistently practicing manual flying throughout their careers. The union represents more than 80,000 pilots across 43 airlines.

"The priority must be returning to fundamentals," Morse stated. "Pilots need to maintain a solid foundation in basic flying skills, and we have to ensure these abilities are preserved. Simply relying on autopilot after takeoff is not sufficient; hands-on flying remains essential to proficiency."

Morse noted that she personally hand-flies the aircraft to cruising altitude. "People often ask, 'All the way to 37,000 feet?' Yes, I do it because I enjoy flying," she said.

Concern Over Diminishing Manual Skills

She highlighted that safety data indicate pilots manual flying skills have been declining, underscoring the need for more hands-on experience. "The data show that pilots are losing proficiency," Morse explained. "We need to actively encourage them to continue hand-flying the airplane to maintain their skills."

Cockpit Staffing and Safety

Morse also addressed concerns about cockpit staffing, referencing ALPAs "Safety Starts With Two" initiative, which opposes single-pilot airline operations. She criticized previous proposals by manufacturers like Airbus to reduce crew numbers, noting the risks if a lone pilot must leave the controls. "Who would be at the controls then? No one," she warned, adding that plans for reduced-crew operations are currently on hold but not permanently halted.

Technology as a Support Tool

While emphasizing the importance of manual skills, Morse acknowledged the benefits of technology in aiding pilots decision-making. She cited terrain-avoidance systems and real-time turbulence monitoring as valuable tools. Regarding artificial intelligence, she stressed it should assist with training and data analysis while being carefully monitored to avoid errors. "AI must not provide incorrect information," she noted, pointing out that data-sharing initiatives have significantly improved aviation safety over the last twenty years.

Author: Ava Mitchell