In fact, (and this will get me a lot of nasty-grams), between the sophistication of available GPS-based information and new-generation digital flight control systems, hand-flying is pretty much becoming a lost art.
The new generation of planes are significantly cheaper to run than those currently flying, so a harsh economic climate may in fact encourage airlines to press on with renewing their fleets.
The "world's highest-flying Yorkshireman" is busying his time instead assisting the programme to develop America's next-generation spaceship, which is called Orion.