GRDHound:
I completely agree with your statement and I have never, nor am I aware of a crew that
intentionally flew any leg at cruise altitude without the autopilot engaged, other than to disengage and trim at aircraft for a minute or two. Regardless of the regs, it doesn't make any sense when the autopilot is so much more efficient.
The postings have,in my opinion, gotten a little off track in that the original question was whether it was legal to hand fly an aircraft above FL290. BTW, our FAA approved maintenance program requires a maximum deviation of 75' at cruise in RVSM airspace. Just our company requirements, which are more stringent than the FAR's.
Just my two cents....I'm sorry...0.637 cents with the current market value.
G'Day
