PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Who engage auto pilot?
View Single Post
Old 16th Oct 2010, 10:48
  #9 (permalink)  
Sick
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: ??-ask crewing
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
No - I think it is an interesting question.

Most European ops manuals I have seen dictate that the PNF engages it (although PF's quite often seem to reach for it anyway)

When I have asked pilots from other regions, to engage the A/P for me, they have looked at me like I have gone mad!

On some types (eg 744) the button is positioned quite some way from the instrument scan. I think, as PF, making stabs for it at 400' in IMC isnt a good idea. What if it doesnt engage for some reason, and while your attention is directed at the button, you have accidentally let the wing and/or nose drop.

Could be nasty. Unexplained rolling into the deck at night or IMC shortly after takeoff isn't a new thing.

The PNF is best placed to reach for the button, and ensure the A/P has engaged properly.
Sick is offline