Originally Posted by
LAfrequentflyer
Why is that? Don't they want to leave the decision to use autopilot or not up to the CA?
-LAFF
I can't remember the words verbatim however in the opening pages of the FOM at Horizon Air it stated the companies "Philosophy of Automation". The statement basically was that the aircraft is equipped with millions of dollars in the best of automation technology. The pilots job was to manage that automation effectively and in its highest form. It did allow for hand flying of approaches in VFR weather in VFR conditions at the captains discretion.
Some of the benefits to this approach are that both pilots can easily see what the other intends. Sometimes it is difficult to guess what another is thinking and false assumptions can be made. The proper use of automation and planning can easily be verified by a few button pushes. In effect both pilots are able to be fully engaged in flying the plane.
In addition I read a study once that proclaimed that IFR hand flying took around 70 to 100% of ones mental focus to accomplish. By having the AP on the pilot is then freed to take on other more important functions like traffic avoidance and planning.
Hand flying is really a thing of the past as far at the airlines go. It is an emergency procedure to be saved for extreme situations and most landings. The AP goes on upon reaching 1000' and off at 200 on approach. Even in the simulator you are encouraged to use the AP as much as possible. Some of the more modern planes are not even airworthy if the AP is in op.
SKyhigh