B737-3 autopilot engagement
The B737 FCT says that the autopilot is certified for engagement above 1000` AGL after takeoff. Other regulations or airline operating directives may specify a different minimum altitude.
Ryanair instructor manual says: 5. After Take Off:
It is Ryanair policy to engage the A/P after the N1 call is made. If the PF wishes to fly the aircraft manually after N1 then this should be covered in the T/O brief. In busy TMAs, uncontrolled airspace or with wx/terrain/local traffic considerations the autopilot should be used in order to improve the situational awareness of the PF. If an automatic switch over to a departure frequency is required then no calls should be initiated to ATC until after the N1 call. Naturally you should respond to any ATC calls in good time.
So, in my present company the SOP is poor. I have done the Ryanair procedure but some pilots complained that that is not right !? They say that when the wing are clean, that is the moment of turning the autopilot on?
Is there anything else that maybe I have missed and the autopilot can not be engaged by Ryanair recommendation?