Not familiar with 737 but as long as one knows who maintains speed the pitch or the thrust non-availability of auto throttle shouldn't affect the use of FD modes. If the mode requires pitch change to maintain speed the AP/FD will do it just just use fixed thrust idle/climb and monitor it, if the mode requires thrust to maintain speed move throttles and maintain speed. If speed trend arrow is there on the speed tape then just control it at target speed.
Last edited by vilas; 5th Jun 2023 at 06:31.