Originally Posted by McGreaser
To the advocates of automation as opposed to manual flying what happens when due to the nature of the problem all autopilots are inop (e.g on the B767 loss of left ac bus) ? Do you let you pax know that you can't fly the a/c due to limited manual flying skills if at all or have no experience in flying an a/c due to company procedure compounded by lack of practice ? Or you would show the a/c "who is flying who". Whilst the advent of automation has brought about a huge increase in safety and reduction in workload in the industry, ignoring the basis of the profession which is to "pilot" an a/c is even more dangerous.
Rushing to stick in the autopilot when you lose an engine whilst being the best and the most recommended solution usually happens when you when you have the a/c in trim. I stand to be corrected here but trying to engage the a/p with an out of trim a/c will result in a even more dangerous situation. Actually manual flying should be encouraged in times of low workload (ie uncongested airspace) and when wx permits
Most pax when they see us going into the a/c believe in their entirety that we actually fly the plane hands on. Try telling them that when the going gets tough we will be found wanting and see how many will fly.
I concur wholeheartedly!
Somepeople don't even realize when situations happen that fall outside of the autopilots design limitations it turns itself off and guess who's got the airplane?!
United 232 is the prime example.