RAT,
My operator permits the full use of the Autoflight systems within the aircraft limitations in the simulator. Except where manual flight is required for the purposes of Licence Proficiency Checks where a Manually flown SE ILS and GA is required. Where this occurs it is NOT intended to infer that this is the preferred mode of flight.
Subject of Autoflight engagement/disengagement;
The disengagement height is often quite high due to some aircraft starting to apply nose up trim below certain heights for the flare maneuovre and then the autopilot 'holds' against the trim for the rest of the approach. This is usual on a Fail Passive or Fail Operational Autoland capable aircraft. e.g. 757 Fail Operational when using only 2 Autopilots for a coupled ILS begins to apply nose up trim below 330FT for the flare. Should the autopilot be disconnected after this height the pilot will find it out of pitch trim by about 20-30lbs force. Should an automatic Go around be performed this increment of pitch trim is removed.