[Robe]

most of those hours are in essence sitting by as a computer does the work

True... Couple that with the fact that most all of their flight training in type comes from simulators, and only line checks are required to certify.
Simulators are great for emergency training where doing so airborne is a risk to crews and equipment.
Plane old seat of the pants flying is what gives the real world experience.
Now,I'm a gray old bird retired from the blue, I learned in taildraggers using needle,ball,and airspeed to maintain control. I cut my teeth in A-1’s in the Navy, flew air cargo in DC-3’s and finished up flying boxes in B-747’s and those basic skills never left me. Prob. saved my tail than a few times.

[Pelham]

And when pilots with your real world experience become a rarity we all better find another way to travel.

[Attention Surplus Disorder]

All things in their time, but anyone who likes airplanes has to love the DC-3. Just a wonderful classic shape.

The insides of WW2 bombers are just so primitive in their way. The idea that US kids flew those things over Germany and could (and did, in large numbers) get blown out of the sky is just astounding to contemplate. Before those bombers had fighter cover, the courage those guys must have had is beyond imaginable.

[mabarker1]

Thank for Your Service!