You might be surprised at what I sometimes find, Sir Donald, even with new guys who have learned how to use a checklist, when they don't pay attention.
Some years ago, after start, when the First officer was reading the after start check for the Flight Engineer, he came to 'ATM's ' and the F/E replied 'Auto', yet failed to switch either to the auto position.
I wanted to see if he really was paying attention...and he was...to something else, as when the landing gear was selected up after takeoff, it was slow to retract and the young lad wanted to know why...until I pointed out offhandedly that when he replies to 'Auto' the switches actually have to be moved in the proper way, otherwise...nothing happens, checklist used or not.
What an absolute surprise.
