One of the domestic airlines operating the B737NG is XXX. It is company SOP to have the autothrottle armed at all times in order to permit low speed protection. On a manually flown landing the pilot is permitted to deselect "Speed" so that manual throttle operation is not impeded but the AT `Arm` switch is left engaged.
This is in direct contradiction of the advice given in the B737NG FCTM that states: "The autothrottle ARM mode is normally not recommended because its function can be confusing. The primary feature the autothrottle ARM mode provides is minimum speed protection in the event the airplane slows to minimum maneuvering speed. Other features normally associated with the autothrottle, such as gust protection, are not provided"
Company management obviously made a courageous decision to display professional disinterest in the Boeing FCTM recommendation. But it makes you wonder why someone should ignore the FCTM when the reason why the recommendation is published is clearly stated in black and white.
