I. M. Esperto
I think what you read with regard to autopilot controlling the take-off, may refere to the autothrottle. As in the Boeing (757 in my case) The autothrottle controls and sets the required EPR or N1 as commanded.
Also the A-300 has no side stick. It has some EFIS and conventional controls. Check out
www.!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and search for A-300 flightdeck pictures.
Eff Oh.