Autopilot vs hand fly for EFATO B737NG
I'd like to hear thoughts of experienced B737NG (and classic) pilots regarding engaging the autopilot at 400' after an EFATO (obviously when the a/c is under control!)
My previous operator would have chopped bollocks off for doing such but a check captain/TRE in my current organisation advocates it - we tried it in the sim a few weeks ago and it seemed to work OK.
The only difference in modes I can tell is the pitch changes from TOGA to MCP SPEED so that the 0-200 fpm rate of climb is substituted for speed priority.
Engaging autopilot has obvious advantages such as better monitoring of checklists (if any) and emergency procedure, etc.
Any thoughts?