Bar up, normal position. There is actually no danger of accidental engagement of autopilot.As safetypee said ,the bar is there for emergency use only.
Why the use of two manouvres to engage autopilot?
And what would be the risk of a not commanded engage of the autopilot? What will hapen in such a case? PF will be with hands on controls,so no problem at all.
And,maybe such a use of the bar,for which was not designed,will damage in time the switch.
It says nowhere in the books to use it as your nr 1) ,only as a disconect option.
Ang HotDog,nobody knows it all,even the technical dep,so let the man ask whatever he want's. I look forward for his questions ,most were always interesting questions to ask .
You find out about different SOP's ,better or worse .
Sometimes I had to open the books to anwer them,so it's a positive thing.
Brgds Alex