Reply to post: Re: "That meant the pilot had to get the jet into the air without scraping the tail on the runway."

Re: "That meant the pilot had to get the jet into the air without scraping the tail on the runway."

It's easy to have fine motor control when you're doing things well within your physical capabilities, but as you get towards the edge of your comfort zone, your accuracy will be diminished.

He was flying a 737 - it's got dual hydraulic controls. He would have been aware of the elevator being heavier than normal, but it's nowhere near the limit of his ability to pull the column, unless he is extremely infirm...

Vic.