Does the lack of switches and gauges in modern planes give the pilot a lack of controll over the aircraft?

Question

Does the lack of switches and gauges in modern planes give the pilot a lack of controll over the aircraft?

Answer 1

All aircraft engine gauges can be displayed, as avio says, on the MFDs Multi-Function Displays. There are monitoring systems (warning indicators) that will let the pilot(s) know if any system needs to be checked. This allows them to focus on other things, among them situational awareness.

However, I do disagree with her 4 year degree crapola. To get a degree, all you need is the money to pay for the classes and books. I know plenty of people with 4 year degrees and a couple with Masters, but they can't write a simple sentence that is grammatically correct, let alone a paragraph. I certainly wouldn't want them piloting anything I was in. Not that my language skills are great, but I did done gradjiate the 12th grade.

Answer 2

Not at all.  There are actually *more* switches, indicators, and dials in the recent models than in the older aircraft; the difference is that the controls are in virtual form; that is, displayed on the screens instead of being physical devices mounted in holes punched in aluminum panels.

The crew members have much greater control in later models.  They also have much more complex systems to learn about in detail; that's why the airlines now insist on a 4-year college degree for all pilot applicants.  They want to know that every pilot possesses the learning skills required to understand very complex procedures and systems.

Answer 3

No, it doesn't.  All systems that either require pilot input or intervention when necessary are capable of being operated.  Many systems in more modern aircraft have been automated, but with very few exceptions, pilot control is maintained.  In some cases, that control is more a software function instead of a hardware one, but control is maintained.

As an example, I would offer the pressurization system on most modern airliners.  What used to require considerable input from a flight crewmember has been automated to the point that the only input required is to tell the system the elevation of the arrival airport so that it can schedule the descent.  Additionally, these systems have become so good, that there are frequently 2 fully independent systems.  If one system fails, the only action required of the crew is to select the other system.