Originally Posted by
757Driver
I'm rather appalled at our airlines lack of hand flying today. I flew out of EWR last week and the F/O couldn't believe that I was hand flying it to cruise. I did tell him that if he felt overloaded with the MCP and radio at anytime, I would put it on.
If you've taken the latest MV and LOE you'll see that the traning departments concerned as well with the latest "back to basics" approach. I personally hand fly always to at least FL 180 and click it off at anywhere from 6-10,000 feet on the way down. As I said earlier, if the F/O feels overwhelmed, I will put it on A/P.
Why do we at Continental, shun hand flying? I still enjoy it and it keeps your skill level up too. After all we are Pilots, right???
I didn't know it was shunned. Can't recall anyone ever questioning me for turning on the A/P or leaving it off for extended periods as an FO. And as a CA like you I could care less how long it is on or off now. Nothing you say I disagree with. Nothing Otto says I disagree with. Just thought his regard for IROs was disrespectful and it has led to this. BTW, I handfly my LA-4-200 100% of the time.