Originally Posted by
SkyHigh
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.
SKyhigh
Ah, but you are forgetting about the ability to hand fly to maintain proficiency. I can hand fly every leg if I choose to (for proficiency of course). The captain can ask me not to, but he cannot require me not to.
For those of you that are complaining about spending so much time in a hotel room, don't do it. Get out and explore your surroundings. There is nothing worse than someone slam-clicking and missing some great experiences. If you give me enough time there, I can find something fun to do in every city.