Originally Posted by
Daytripper
My "cage" hasn't been rattled. I can and have maintained proficiency for over 20 years without crowing about hand flying, or "do like me" attitudes. I'm not an instructor, nor "express" pilot. (Whatever that may imply)? I personally think they are among the most proficient pilots we hire.
I do hand fly on occassions....which includes the A/T's off, when I feel I can give my passengers a good ride, and the departure or arrival is too complex. But I don't ask the F/O if he's overloaded..I can usually tell. And if he is....I don't make a big deal about it. Simply turn the autopilot on and give him a hand. The left seat is not a podium to preach on YOUR techniques. Proceedures, yes....but in a good CRM method. And, as to the appearance of an approach I may have to conduct with the A/P and A/T off.....I have demonstrated proficiency...well within ATP standards, as I'm sure you have.
No, it takes a little more to rattle my cage, but what irks me a little is this Sky King attitude used under the CAL logo. BY God I'm hand flying.......feel the manhood exuding from me!
Now, as to your reference to "Mr. Express Pilot". Please elaborate.
Sorry DT,
It was early and your post had a condencending ring to it hence my post. I guess I just assumed you were Express, (and you're right they are some of the best guys we hire here), by your profile, (ATR B-1900 ect..).
My point is that I fly with some Pilots who have very little skills in actually flying the aircraft. An example:
On approach into MCO and cleared for the visual to 35R from the North late at night. The F/O used the autopilot all the way down to 100 feet using heading select and V/S. I did not say one word, (so you can retract your sky-king Fritz like reference), and the approach and landing were somewhat south of steller.
After arriving at the gate I asked him why he did not hand fly the aircraft sooner, (notice the word "asked"). His was reply was that he did not feel comfortable "flying" the aircraft at an earlier point.
I never tell the F/O when to turn on or off the A/P but I do inform, (again see the word "inform" not demand, make ect...), them that if they feel overloaded while I am flying that I will assist with the MCP by turning on the A/P. When I used to jumpseat on other carriers, (namely United), I was so impressed by their Pilots as they tended to hand-fly the A/C more often than not up and down from altitude.
Am I some bizarro world guy because I think we should do this, perhaps, but maybe other non-CAL types can chime in and tell us what they think.
Sorry for the abrasive post above.