Quote:
have the autothrottle armed at all times in order to permit low speed protection
Isn't that a valid reason right there?
Obviously not - since the latest 737 FCTM revision July 2011 still has the same recommendation it has had for decades of 737 operation and that is `autothrottle ARM mode is normally not recommended`. Obviously Boeing is on to something there or else what is the point of the "not recommended"? Some would argue it is better to go with the strength and accept the Boeing recommendations rather than open yourself to litigation if something went wrong. Lawyers are good at that sort of opening.