Originally Posted by
SID PLATE
There are posts on this thread about looking out of the window during rotation, and then transitioning to focus on the FD.
This doesn't work if a) it's foggy ; or b) if you're taking off over water, at night, with no external light sources for reference.
Boeing occasionally send test pilots to airlines who operate Boeings. They hand out Boeing pens and other goodies to crews, and also suggest the best methods they've found of operating the aircraft. These methods might occasionally conflict with the information in the Boeing FCTM.
The ones I've listened to recommend looking at the PFD at the rotate call, and if you have an engine failure, look at the (inertial) slip indicator.
There are several posts now stating that concentrating on the TV screens when hearing the word rotate is a solid technique. I am guessing this has been introduced from the modern airline pilot doing the majority of his/her Training in a simulator and not an aircraft.
The PF should start the rotation by looking out the window and then transition to the PFD when the horizon is no longer visible. That's the way that is has always been, and it is the way it will continue to be.
Particularly important during an EFATO as eyes at the end of the runway to the last minute prevents that journey off the side of the pavement. Centerline is a much better que of where you are going, and much lower workload to interpret then a slidslip indicator at the top of a PFD
It's also transition to the PFD not FD. Set the attitude you need, and then let the FDs catch up.
In fog, or on a black hole night departure, the transition may occur a bit earlier, but the technique is the same.