Methods for Preventing the Degradation of Manual Flying Skills in an Automated Cockpit Environment

Modern commercial aviation increasingly relies on advanced automation, which helps to reduce pilot workload and improves overall flight safety. However, the growing reliance on automation has reduced pilots’ opportunities for manual flying practice, leading to a degradation of those skills. This article analyzes recent data on Loss of Control In-flight (LOC-I) cases and human factors, highlighting that insufficient manual flying experience has been a contributing factor in several incidents and accidents.

An original methodology is proposed to maintain and improve airline pilots’ manual flying skills through balanced automation use, regular manual flying exercises in training sessions, and during line operations under safe conditions. The Results section provides a detailed structure of the training program including Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT), exercise examples, and mathematical models of skill degradation. The Discussion compares the proposed approach with leading aviation organizations (ICAO, FAA, EASA, IATA, Airbus, Boeing), highlighting implementation strategies and potential outcomes.

The findings confirm the need to revise simulator and line training programs for pilots with a greater focus on manual flying skills, which will help prevent further competency erosion and reduce LOC-I accident risk.