Safety
In Face of Growing Autonomy, Pilots Remain Key
While there are limited applications of automation technology, “we still are the most important component in this whole equation," safety expert says.

Despite rapidly changing technology, pilots remain the most important factor in the flying environment and they must continue to strive to improve and adapt, safety expert Chris Lutat of Convergent Performance said yesterday at the 23rd annual Bombardier Safety Standdown. He acknowledged the advances that have occurred in the flight deck over the past few years have fundamentally changed how aircraft are operated, particularly at lower altitudes. Lutat said this has caused him to learn new technologies and procedures in his own flying, changing the way he looks at the environment.