Never liked the idea of manual flying with the A/T connected. This makes life particularly difficult with underslung engines due to the relatively large pitch changes with thrust changes. Some airlines approve the practice some dont - I never did. In addition when concentrating on the manual handling there can be some mode confusion with the A/T engaged, generally in the flare regime.
Last edited by 4Greens; 15th May 2010 at 10:20.