Originally Posted by Centaurus
Part of the command instrument rating test includes demonstrated competency at flying an NDB approach. Flying it in LNAV is not proof that the candidate is competent at that task. For the same reason an autoland is not proof that the candidate can manually land an aeroplane. The autopilot does a sterling job of most LNAV features but the skills test is not of the autopilot but of the person. Therefore the candidate is required to prove he can hand fly using normal tracking skills on an NDB and not the artificial "crutch" of LNAV.
That is not right, I would like to see you do a 3b into YMML without an autopilot.
From CAO 40.2.1
"An autopilot or a coupled approach may be used in the demonstration of proficiency in instrument approach procedures."
"coupled approach means an ILS approach whereby the aircraft is manoeuvred by the autopilot in response to signals received from the ILS ground installation."