Is driving a manual an imperishable skill?

The thing is, all that taking control BS is a direct result of too many idiot drivers bouncing every shift off the governor. Listening to most guys driving manuals you'd think we were still running 300 Cummins & 9 speeds cut back to 1700 rpms.

 

Auto shifts are only as good as their programming. I loved mine. I reckon I’d dislike one in a fleet truck that has been programmed for the lowest common denominator.

 

I always said 5ere is absolutely NO WAY I would ever drive an automatic full time. I ran an Mdrive for several months and absolutely hated it. That being said, I was driving the triaxle through West Lafayette over by Purdue University for several days, and I reckon if I did that regularly I would rethink my position a bit. Nar wore my left leg and right arm out going through all those lights 10 rounds a day. So I admit autos have their place, however I still prefer a manual. Definitely in a road tractor

 

I get those mixed up, which one is outdoors?

 

My generation isnt experienced in either of those activities

 

Either, although both are significantly more risky in the non-standard environment!

 

Interesting question. I have decades of experience driving vehicles with a non-synchronous transmission, though the last time I drove one was in early 2013. I’m confident I could get back into the rhythm within a few miles. What’s interesting is something I noticed in the summer of 2023 when I went flying with a friend in his Cessna 182. I had to stop flying around the same time I stopped driving due to medical reasons. Only pilots will understand this: landing from the right seat feels different than from the left. While I was never a CFI, I’ve logged plenty of right-seat landings. My friend offered me the chance to land when we returned to the airport, and I agreed. With nearly 250 hours in the Cessna 182, I thought it would go smoothly, but on the first approach, I botched it so badly that my friend had to apply power for a go-around. I doubt he’ll offer again.

I think the time it takes to get back to shifting smoothly after a break is somewhat inversely related to the amount of experience you had before you stopped.