You're right - it is a wacky idea!
I actually prefer hiring an intern to insure that I'll live through the flight.
The "button" would certainly do a better job, though.

Wait - I think I found a plane that has this feature!
Here's a picture of the cockpit and a demo:

http://www.gilbert-land.com/AOK.html

I think I'm going to look into this and potentially purchase this feature!