In Australia, a regional operator flying Saab 340 "strongly recommends" (my italics) the autopilot be engaged at 200 feet (min engagement height) after take off and disengaged at 50 feet on landing. This is taking use of automation to a ridiculous degree and does nothing for flight safety. On the contrary. As this airline specialise in training its own cadets from zero hours to right seat of the Saab, it is living proof that manual flying is seen by this operator as an unnecessary impost. Despite numerous warnings from international flight safety authorities that automation dependancy is an increasing concern, clearly some operators don't see it that way.
The local regulator for this region is not interested and in fact has indicated it favours more use and understanding of automation. Nothing at all from these hallowed halls about the need for manual flight competency
