Handflying an rj is a piece of cake. Maybe if more of the current commuter pilots spent time as freight dogs and actually had some experience before getting their airline job things like this wouldn't happen. Learn to fly BEFORE becoming an airline pilot. I guess we can blame the industry for allowing low time, inexperienced pilots in the cockpit. Reference the Colgan Captain and the poor FO stuck with him...she was just along for the ride.

I guess my hardest flight without an autopilot was in a simple little citation flying from msp to pae. Stupid northern lights were wild that night and kept tripping my brain. Couldn't look out the window without those dancing lights giving us both vertigo. Sure was a pretty sight though.

I have to give the Captain some kudos. With the erosion of Captain authority I'm glad this one had some stones. He didn't feel comfortable and made a decision. I can't believe how many pansies are out there that can't make a decision...even if its the wrong one. (not saying his was wrong, weather sucked, late night, long duty day, not comfortable with own ability = safe choice)

Full disclosure....Current plane I'm in doesn't let you fly without an autopilot if the automatic pressurization controller is inop. The non-flying pilot has to spend the whole flight keeping peoples ears from exploding.