Indeed very good points were posted in this topic.
I am writing an article about Loss of Flight Proficiency in Automated Cockpits to be presented in a national seminar of aeronautical sciences colleges in my country and this topic was very useful with the points cited.
Maybe you can give me some help in some points.
- How are autopilots listed on today's commercial airplanes MELs (Minimum Equipment List)? For example, if a 737 has all autopilots INOP, can it be dispatched? How about the A320?
- What is your company SOP regarding autopilot use? Is its use mandatory through all flight phases or is it based on pilot's discretion?
That would be it for now. Thanks a lot.