The was some talk earlier about "finger hoverers" and I definitely flew with one early on. That, combined with the rest of the automation dependent culture we're all complaining about, was an influential experience for me, so for a while I would uncomfortably ask my captains if they mind if I turn the autopilot off, as if I'm asking to borrow money or something.
After a while I managed to flip a switch in my brain and started just confidently briefing what I intended to do ("autopilot on at _______" in the departure brief, and "autopilot off at _______" and "flight director off when _______" in the approach brief) and letting them tell me otherwise if they deem it necessary.
You know that wise encouraging nugget given to nervous young people mustering up the nerve to ask someone out on a date... "let her worry about all the reasons to turn you down!" Kinda like that.
Last edited by Vessbot; 13th Feb 2018 at 00:58.