Automation Surprises?
I've read NTSB reports on and off for 30+ years and I've always been uncomfortable with the fact that the AP seems to be able to compensate for a decaying situation (like the ATR-42 icing years back) or the drop below Vref in the recent TK accident by trimming the aircraft, seemingly without the pilots' notice. When the AP reaches the limits of authority (can't trim any more so disconnects) or some other condition arises (stick shaker) that demands immediate pilot input, the pilot is presented with a full blown issue without the history that hand-flying to the same point would have provided. Does this lack of history make a difference in the effectiveness of the pilot's response?