Originally Posted by
seafeye
Nothing scares me more than seeing my f/o hand flying the airplane, having a 8000' alt clearance and through 7000' not making any adjustment. Then at 7800' bringing the power back and pushing forward to maintain 8000'. I'm not saying that they shouldn't hand fly, i'm saying there is a time and a place for everything. After take off and you get get caution msg. I don't think its the right time to be hand flying. Conversely, there is a time to disconnect everything, get rid of the FD and fly the airplane.
I'm guessing you've never experienced the joy of an AP that does a hard level off. If you have an FO who shows no signs of making a transition to a smooth level off, don't you as Captain, have the responsibility to speak up before the fact? Indeed, an F/O or anyone who flies like that is someone who clearly shows dimished hand flying skills and should be coached or get some additional training because it's pretty clear that they have gotten AP lazy and let their skills diminish.
Just to be clear on your wording...when is it you feel hand flying is appropriate?