Folks: many thanks for the replies. What I'm really interested in, and some have hinted at it, is why the a/c is certified to engage A/P above 400' agl on Dep or G/A, but some airlines choose to wait until Flaps up and thus increase worK load and IMHO reduce safety in busy TMA's.
Further, why do some engage A/P at 400 on 2 engines, when life is normal, but wait until flaps up on SE when life is non-normal?
And please dont' say becasue our SOP's say so. That is because your current C.P wants it that way. It is not the way Boeing designed the a/c. If there are any Boeing T.C's out there will you please enlighten us. It is not possible to get a direct reply from Boeing; it has to done via the company, and they are not always responsive to radicals.
To those who wish to aviate, I too endorse hand flying, when appropriate, to all levels. I've had F/O's who've never hand flown above FL100. Soon cured that; no problem. One day it might be necessary. RVSM is not the place for it though; but a u/s A/P should not ground the a/c.