[GovernmentShrinker]

The Northwest Airlines scare also highlights a broader aviation hazard: Pilots depend on computer systems to navigate and control today's advanced jetliners. When these systems break down, most pilots have little hands-on experience relying on rudimentary back-up instruments.

The miracle of the Gimli Glider was an example of how valuable fundamental knowledge of low-tech/no-tech flying can be. The 69 souls who were on board definitely owe their lives to the fact the the captain just happened to pursue a glider-flying hobby in his spare time, and thus had the skills and knowledge to successfully fly and land a Boeing 767 which had abruptly and irreversibly turned into a "glider" at 41,000 feet. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gimli_Glider

[Erik Latranyi]

The miracle of the Gimli Glider was an example of how valuable fundamental knowledge of low-tech/no-tech flying can be.

You forgot the more recent example of US Airways 1549, also commanded by a pilot familiar with glider control.