Palmdale_3Holer,

Good discussion on the old school vs new fancy computer loaded aircraft. I learned to fly back in the late 50's in a Piper J-3 and then a C-150. It is SO important to learn the basics and how to hand fly the plane. As an example I look to the Asiana 777 crash in KSFO. There was nothing wrong with the aircraft, but the pilots had very little experience hand flying the plane. The were reliant on the computer automation and were not able to go back to basics when needed.

I was an FAA check airman and observed many supposed "high time" pilots that were unable to hand fly the plane and not familiar with the Airman's Information Manual - an absolute must for any pilot!

I believe, having learned to fly in the "dark ages" - before computers, it made me a better pilot. Later in life, I had to add the computer into into my cockpit, but always remembered the words of my flight instructor to FLY THE AIRPLANE!

The CS 737 - 200 is a joy to fly. I have a lot of fun shooting approaches with the ceiling and visibility reduced and adding in a bit of crosswind to boot.

Lou