Originally Posted by ajcucinella

As stated from a few others, flying a SID with or without AP is not stated specifically in the FARs, but may be viewed through company policy. However, I agree with Dreamfighter's statement about using AP to reduce workload. Although hand flying a SID may not be demanding at all; it is important to be efficient by utilizing any and all tools/info. that is accessible. It seems to me that a pilot would become more efficient by monitoring the AP as it progressed through the SID; meanwhile, the pilot could also continue his/her scan on other instruments, to make sure everything is "up to par" and in good condition.