Sir - The adverse comment by Thomas Dallas on Capt Raby's concern over the call for increased academic standards among pilots (Letters, Flight International, 7-13 May, P52) misses the point. It still remains true that exposure to the practical is the essence of the competent pilot. It may not be the whole story as aircraft develop, but, until man is removed from the loop, it will remain so.
The academics promote deductive reasoning and clear thinking as not being absolute. The disarray which has engulfed much of the US university system in recent years illustrates the point. Indeed, over-emphasis on the academic is closer to a diversion than a solution to the quest for improved flight safety.
Capt Raby's view is clearly biased towards seeking practical answers, perhaps the source of contention. The responsibilities of the European Joint Aviation Authorities will not be served by avoiding the search for those practical solutions.
Barry Sheridan
Winchester, Hampshire, UK
Sir - Capts Raby and Fakoussa (Letters, Flight International, 16-22 April and 7-13 May, respectively) are undoubtedly right. What they are seeing is simply the latest manifestation of the industry-wide stampede to install accountants and "business managers" to lead organisations, rather than experts in the technology/skill of the business.
Such managers cannot select personnel on the basis of ability, because they have no knowledge of the skills involved. They are forced to deny the existence of experience and to select on the basis of paper qualifications.
Thus, the disappearance of apprentice schemes and the trend towards ageism, because older people have more of the non-existent experience and out-of-date qualifications.
Paul Simison
Hickling, Norfolk, UK
Source: Flight International
