Safe Through Technology

Does technology make us safer? In Aviation we use a wide variety of radio’s to communicate with air traffic controllers and on occasion to other aircraft. We convey such information as who we are, where we are and what we want to do. Two way communications using radio's has not changed much over the years but also at our disposal are the many high tech electronic systems that show a flight crew where the aircraft they are flying is, in relationship to the ground, how high above the ground and the path or course they are flying. Through technology you are able to know exactly where you are in a three dimensional world. As long as the equipment is working properly and you have programmed the correct coordinates your flight should go without incident except perhaps for a few bumps because of weather. But what happens when technology lets us down or we let ourselves down by having programmed our electronics’ incorrectly? Before high tech all flight training revolved around basic instruments and is still the basic’s used today. Most pilots are familiar with the older "standard" technology and except for some of the newer aircraft the dials and needles are still in service and installed in thousands and thousands of aircraft. Technology has come a long way and while high tech computers have brought new dimensions and reduced stress for flight crews the older equipment still works very well. So, while I enjoy the CRT screen and all the neat things it can display I believe maintaining a good working knowledge of the dials and needles makes me a safer pilot.