I born in the late 80´s, my Dad in 1949, and my brother in
the 90´s we are definitely form different generations and have seen technology
change in several ways. In my case all what I study at Uni back in Perú using
computers, programming, configuring routers and making systems models,
everything have change. Now computers have different Operative Systems, The way
to configure routers has change and there are new models of system
development. In conclusion I will never
end studying. But if you think that is a big change in technology lets talk
about what happen to my dad in his long professional career.
My dad is a Commercial Airplane Pilot with 43 years
experience. One of the biggest changes in his career is that he depends from a
computer now. When he start as a pilot everything was manual.
“I used to set up everything manual, now I give orders to a computer,
is like playing flight simulator”
That is something
that change his career mostly because the computer replace what a human used to
do. There was something called a flight engineer before, he used to do all the
tasks the computer do now, before they were 3 people in the cockpit now there are
2 and a computer.
With flight engineer
With out flight engineer (either case I don´t understand it)
It doesn´t feel right for my dad but my brother that is studying
to be a pilot in this new generation, is loving it. For him is easy going and easy to understand.
Because of this, there was a huge economy change in companies. They invest changing old airplanes for new ones and forget about flight engineer salaries. My dad have seen lots of flight
engineers lose their jobs, because companies didn´t want to promote all of them and make them pilots or
second officers, because there were not enough spots. “you can´t fit 3 if there is
only space for 2”.
Following Appadurai's 5 –scapes we can say that Technoscapes
bring about new types of cultural interactions and exchanges through the power
of technology, which can now happen at unprecedented speeds. Technology, of
course, is very close tied with the economy, which is constantly in flux and,
despite our best efforts to manipulate, is wildly unpredictable and change
every day.
References:
Rantanan, T 2005, ‘Theorizing media and globalisation’, Media
and globolisation 2005, SAGE Publications, London, pp. 6
Appadurai, A. (1990) ‘Disjuncture and Difference in the
Global Cultural Economy’, Theory Culture Society, Sage Publications, London.
Hi Sergio,
ReplyDeleteI found this blog post extremely interesting. When discussing technology that has developed over the years my discussion heavily focused on that of social media, computers, mobile phones etc. These are the most prominent developments that are relevant in my life. I didn't even click that the technology involved in aeroplanes had too developed greatly over the years. After reading your post it makes a lot of sense that this type of technology would have developed. This post clearly demonstrates how global technologic developments differ depending on each persons background. Great personal references and well explained information in regards to the development of aeroplanes.
Thanks for sharing your genuine experience about what your family has encounter in this technological generation. I really do not know that pilot has to set up everything manually even in the past as nowadays the computer takes control of everything. It is a pity to know that the new is replacing the old because of the advancement in technology. However, this cycle is unstoppable as the society needs to go forwards and improve continually. So in order to prevent yourself from kicking out of the industry/society, all of us has to catch up with the latest technology and put it into practice.
ReplyDeleteHi Sergio,
ReplyDeleteYour blog post was really an eye-opener for me. Your post shows a great example on some of the disadvantages the technical evolution. As a former Flight Simulator nerd I had never thought of the consequences the new technology has had on the pilots and how they are losing jobs because of the new technology. It is a good exemplification on how the technology of the present and the future will keep on replacing human beings. Your blog was a great read and the exemplifications through pictures (and the meme) made it enjoyable and easier to understand.
Hi Sergio,
ReplyDeleteYour example of your dad’s 43 year airplane pilot career was incredible! I’m sure that learning to integrate computers in his job must have come as a challenge at first but as you said the actions seem almost effortless for him now. I really enjoyed the pictures in your post, clearly showing what you meant about the complexity that was involved in manually flying planes. When you continue also about your brothers’ experiences with learning to become a pilot and the different contrasts, I thought that was also a good comparison and personal aspect of your post. If I were to critique anything it would be more in-text references, just showing exactly what about Rantanen and Appadurai’s readings influenced your thoughts about globalization. Cheers for the good post!
Blake
Hey Sergio,
ReplyDeleteYour post is great and I found the differences between your father and your brothers generation for pilot training really interesting. It must have been a massive step for your dad to be completely replace something in his everyday work life. I always hear about how people get replaced by computers or machines and it’s really quite sad. I think your use of pictures is good but maybe don’t have them all bunched together. Apart from that I loved that you us the real life experiences of your dad and he gives great input to this. Keep up the good work
Nathan
Sergio,
ReplyDeleteThis post is uniquely interesting in the way you've drawn on your father's career in the aeroplane industry to exemplify the extensive technological changes and advancements in this field. I enjoyed the fact that you describe your father's negative feelings towards the vast adjustments in a pilot's career. This incites interest as your post doesn't just sit on the fence, but provides a passionate opinion on the topic from a different angle. You demonstrate a clear understanding of the topic, but it may help to go outside the unit readings to add further knowledge to your piece. The before and after cockpit photos were engaging but it may be wise to reference the source.
Good work!