As an aside It can also help having the a/t in during early line trg sectors. Aids the candidate to concentrate on attitude during early stages of trg. Especially with so many coming with no attitude flying experience
Have to disagree on that point. They should have completed a full type rating course in the simulator by which time they should be competent at attitude flying. Secondly with autothrottle engaged during manual flight (apart from climb at max climb thrust), speed and height excursions are exacerbated by the AT moving forward and back trying to maintain MCP speed. The trim changes become difficult to anticipate. Much easier for the pilot to fly with AT disengaged as per Boeing FCTM recommendation.
