Originally Posted by 2xAGM114

Hypothetical scenario: when is the PF allowed to "hand fly" a SID? The graphical depiction has what appears to be a graduated turn to the first navaid from the runway. However, RNAV is not in the title nor is it a "Pilot NAV" DP. There is no obstacle issue at this airport, and not a Radar DP.

Can someone point me to the FAR, AIM or other pub which explains better in what cases it is ok to manually fly versus allowing the jet to do it? After a standard rate turn to intercept the correct radial, the aircraft appeared to be on the inside of the ground track depicted by the FMS, which leads one to believe they may not be inside protected airspace. If the FMS was coupled to the A/P, the aircraft would have followed the line exactly.