Originally Posted by
Swedish Blender
The autopilot is pretty much required to be used in RVSM airspace, so you don't have to worry about it.
Autopilot is ABSOLUTELY required in RVSM airspace. If you have an autopilot failure, you must exit the RVSM airspace.
As for the other guy who mentioned Part 121 requirements for use of automation, this is only partially correct. There is now some thinking in the industry (and Congress) that there needs to be less "reliance" on automation to keep pilots from getting complacent.
Southwest actually requires approaches to be hand flown. It's a great way to keep the skills sharp.