Originally Posted by
Tee Emm
Isn't that getting a bit "gimmicky" flying 'through' the FD? Either use it properly when needed for guidance or switch it out of sight. There are times when pilots want an uncluttered artificial horizon. Recovering from an unusual attitude in IMC is one such example.
Already the borders of the PFD are surrounded by a plethora of information. Some pilots have no trouble ignoring unwanted FD indications. Others can be seriously distracted by the waving needles. The problem being that flight directors tend to encourage tunnel vision as after all the aim is to keep the needles centred on one tiny spot.on the dial.
I recently talked to a F/O of a Middle Eastern A330 airline where company SOP mandates engagement of the autopilot at 500 ft after take off. From then on it would be left engaged (no hand flying permitted) until 300 ft on final approach even if fully visual. On this occasion he was safety F/O in the jump seat while a new F/O was undergoing line training. During one final approach in CAVOK the new F/O switched off the AP at 1000 ft on final to fly the remainder of the approach manually.
The captain instantly demanded the autopilot be re-engaged since the company SOP required 300 ft for disengagement. The startled F/O under training fiddled around and managed to re-engage the autopilot. A few seconds later as the aircraft passed through 300 ft, the captain announced "NOW you can disengaged the autopilot."
Apparently the captain was worried the QAR would pick up the autopilot disengagement at 1000 ft which was contrary to the company SOP and he would be hauled up to please explain.
With some airlines, common sense is thrown out of the window to satisfy the Gods of SOP. And that happens in so many other aspects of flight deck operation.
Why's it gimmicky to fly through the FD? If it's not doing what I want it to do, I ignore it. Push the red button by each thumb if it misbehaves further.
What copmpany in the ME has that dangerous SOP? I'd like to know, so I can avoid them. Is it the one that shall not be mentioned?