Question about the commuter planes?

Question

sometimes commuter planes can be terrfying, such as you can see what the pilots are not doing. As the plane veers off to the right, for example, and the pilots have not rouched a button, wheel, or lever, the [assenger cannot help but wonder whether or not the plane is, in fact, supposed to be veering off to the right..
My question is, it may be better not to know what is going on in the cockpit if you are just a passenger on an airplane. Do you think a person, who is a non-member of a certain professional, might be better off not knowing what a professional is doing? why?

Answer 1

Yeah, you wouldn't want to know what a professional plumber has to do to fix some clogged waste pipes. Seriously, I think all pilots are very capable and I don't think you should worry. If you feel that ignorance is bliss, then try keeping your eyes closed, or reading a book whilst you are flying.

Answer 2

Hi There!

I am sure that you find it terrifying at times while you are flying that you do not know what is going on up front. The fact of the matter is that your Pilots are very highly trained professionals, spending hours in Simulators and actual aircraft practising emergencies, engine fires, passenger emergencies, evacuations etc. All pilots have to undergo 6 monthly recurrency training (At least in the country where I am from) Where their skills are tested to the limit. Commuter aircraft have backup systems, sometimes up to three backup systems. All aircraft in the sky are monitored by Radar and controlled by ground controllers, in addition to This All aircraft also have to be equipped with TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance systems) in order to avoid midair crashes. The modern Flight deck is also designed to assist the pilot with everything that he does, and then there are co-pilots and flight engineers, who have to undergo yearly Crew resource management courses where crews learn how to work together in synergy in order to streamline crew efficiency and communication. Further to this crews also do courses in Dangerous goods management and cabin management, In effect all pilots and crews are constantly training to be better and more efficient an to cut out the human factors such as stress and fatigue etc.

All and all I know that you are in good hands at all times, so my suggestion in to kick back, relax and have a nice tall Gin and tonic next time you fly with absolute peace in your heart as you have the best guys or Gals up front taking care of you!!

Sincerely
Zaphod (Capt.)