Episode 19: Flight Deck Automation after Indonesia and Ethiopia

Episode 19: Flight Deck Automation after Indonesia and Ethiopia

Author: Aviation International News March 26, 2019 Duration: 38:06

After the Boeing 737 MAX 8 crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia, the question is whether cockpit automation is working for pilots or pilots are working for the automation. We talk with the pilot of Qantas Flight 72, An Airbus A330 that pitched down without control input and without warning a decade ago. The pilot of that aircraft says of the MAX 8 accidents, "the road is different, but the destination is the same." Our roundtable of pilots and aviation journalists looks at the growing complexity of flight deck automation, our increasing dependence on it and the lack of training available to pilots for cases in which the automation fails.

Participants:

  • Capt. Kevin Sullivan, Qantas Flight 72, October 8, 2008
  • Capt. Gary Rower, Airbus A330 international captain and cockpit resource management trainer
  • Capt. Bill Palmer, Airbus A330 international captain and author
  • Capt. Bert Botta, former international captain and flight crew trainer, now flying business aircraft
  • Mark Phelps, executive editor, AIN Publications
  • Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief, AIN Publications
  • Rob Finfrock, aviation writer

There’s a story behind every landing, a decision in every cockpit, and a human element in every flight log. AIN's Tales from the Flight Deck, from Aviation International News, pulls back the curtain on those moments. This isn't about dry technical briefings or theoretical scenarios. Instead, each episode sits you in the jumpseat for candid, first-person narratives from pilots, controllers, and aviation professionals who have been there. You’ll hear the subtle tension in a voice recounting an unexpected weather encounter, the thoughtful pause before explaining a critical split-second choice, and the relief in sharing a lesson learned. The conversations are intimate and detailed, focusing on the real-world application of procedure and the nuanced judgment calls that define safety aloft. By prioritizing genuine experience over lecture, this podcast builds a profound understanding of aviation safety from the ground up. It’s for anyone fascinated by the realities of flight, whether you’re a seasoned aviator, an aspiring pilot, or simply someone who looks up at a passing airliner and wonders about the skill and stories inside. Tune in for a compelling, human-centered perspective that goes far beyond the headlines.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 34

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