Originally Posted by
AerocatS2A
LVL CHG doesn't respect altitude constraints does it? (Genuine question, I'm not a B pilot). I'd personally be most comfortable using all the same modes I usually would and just control the thrust as required. Then only one thing is different, manual thrust, and I've been dealing with manual thrust most of my career so no big deal.
If there are altitude constraints, the normal Boeing technique us to set next constraint altitude on the MCP unless the cleared altitude is higher. Many pilots in normal ops use the alternate technique. If the autothrottle is inop I strongly suggest to use normal technique. The ’no big deal’ is not really acceptable as 1) you’re not alone and 2) you are human and get tired and distracted quicker than you think.