Sully - ‘The short answer is, based on my experience and looking out the window, I could tell by the altitude and the descent rate that neither [airport] was a viable option,’ he told the magazine.
I get so very tired (old age grumpiness) of people degrading the ‘skills’ that make a first class pilot. Many, have much to answer for:-
Fancy footwork—learning (again) the importance of rudder.
Watch a formula car go into a ‘skid’ at a mere 140 KpH: the fact that it occurred is enough to make the purist belch. And that (mind you) is only in one dimension, in perfect conditions, with a whole support team and computer analysis. The average crop-duster works in three dimensions; day or night, with obstacles and not too much in the way of ‘support’; at those speeds all day and at night too. Tackle a bush firestorm at dusk, on one engine , then talk about 'flying skills'.
The Colombian lapped Monza in his Williams FW36 with an incredible average speed of 262.242kph (162.950mph) during the first part of qualifying, but despite setting the record, couldn’t match his time later in the session and qualified second for the race behind Rubens Barrichello. (FFS).
A dreary 130 knots; in perfect conditions; try to nail down an ILS on a ‘bad night’; the auto pilot can do it – every time. But these days, how many would relish and tackle a hand flown ILS, in the rough? Some still do; they respond to the challenge, glorying in the fact over a quiet ale later, that they can actually ‘do it’. These are of the true to the blood instinct, naturals who have learned and developed not just the skill, but the knowledge and confidence in that ability be rightfully called ‘skilled’. They are interested and did not just study to pass the exam; but to learn their trade from their lessons and carried those lessons into their profession as the basics of learning the job.
Pilots – gudduns: are not ‘bus drivers. They are easy to spot; watch the ballet of hands and feet, supported by the sound, feel and rhythm of wind, rain, engine; all senses engaged and that elusive charm, hard won experience. They are not particularly nice people, the profession is essentially a ‘lone wolf’ one; relying on self rather than herd. See it all the time – the jaw comes out as the head lowers and all attention is focussed on one end; getting the aircraft and the load home – in one piece. Cardboard cut out, autopilot dependents need not apply – unless HR is hiring exactly that. Those who understand will smile quietly; those who do not will be left, forever wondering WTD “V” and myself are banging on about. But we know “V”: we know it exactly.
Enough from me; bad old school influence on young minds. TOM 4 Genius 0. I may yet visit the houseboat stable, find a comfy seat and make it 6-0.
I get so very tired (old age grumpiness) of people degrading the ‘skills’ that make a first class pilot. Many, have much to answer for:-
Fancy footwork—learning (again) the importance of rudder.
Watch a formula car go into a ‘skid’ at a mere 140 KpH: the fact that it occurred is enough to make the purist belch. And that (mind you) is only in one dimension, in perfect conditions, with a whole support team and computer analysis. The average crop-duster works in three dimensions; day or night, with obstacles and not too much in the way of ‘support’; at those speeds all day and at night too. Tackle a bush firestorm at dusk, on one engine , then talk about 'flying skills'.
The Colombian lapped Monza in his Williams FW36 with an incredible average speed of 262.242kph (162.950mph) during the first part of qualifying, but despite setting the record, couldn’t match his time later in the session and qualified second for the race behind Rubens Barrichello. (FFS).
A dreary 130 knots; in perfect conditions; try to nail down an ILS on a ‘bad night’; the auto pilot can do it – every time. But these days, how many would relish and tackle a hand flown ILS, in the rough? Some still do; they respond to the challenge, glorying in the fact over a quiet ale later, that they can actually ‘do it’. These are of the true to the blood instinct, naturals who have learned and developed not just the skill, but the knowledge and confidence in that ability be rightfully called ‘skilled’. They are interested and did not just study to pass the exam; but to learn their trade from their lessons and carried those lessons into their profession as the basics of learning the job.
Pilots – gudduns: are not ‘bus drivers. They are easy to spot; watch the ballet of hands and feet, supported by the sound, feel and rhythm of wind, rain, engine; all senses engaged and that elusive charm, hard won experience. They are not particularly nice people, the profession is essentially a ‘lone wolf’ one; relying on self rather than herd. See it all the time – the jaw comes out as the head lowers and all attention is focussed on one end; getting the aircraft and the load home – in one piece. Cardboard cut out, autopilot dependents need not apply – unless HR is hiring exactly that. Those who understand will smile quietly; those who do not will be left, forever wondering WTD “V” and myself are banging on about. But we know “V”: we know it exactly.
Enough from me; bad old school influence on young minds. TOM 4 Genius 0. I may yet visit the houseboat stable, find a comfy seat and make it 6-0.