There is of course a difference between the visual references required to continue an approach beyond DA/DH ( which,without getting too specific ,is just about anything that confirms that the aircraft is on the correct trajectory towards the landing zone as opposed to the perimeter road.You don' t necessarily need to see the runway) and the visual references required or desirable to conduct a manual landing.
A cat 1 approach to minimums in 550 metres vis could have you legally continue towards the runway with only approach lights or other approved references visible. Given that the usual visual reference for a good manual landing is the far end of the runway,which in 550 metres vis is way out of sight,most pilots are now entering the twighlight zone of there handling experience.
My mob forbids autoland out with protected LVP conditions but the airplane makes a lovely job of flying to the touchdown zone and entering the flare at the correct rate. Keep your thumb on the disconnect and either chuck it away or correct if something strange happens. Disconnect in the flare , keep it straight and proceed to the bar for a cold one- job done!
Last edited by HOMER SIMPSONS LOVECHILD; 28th Oct 2012 at 09:52.