several times, i have been able to cut significant distance out of a full procedure by asking for a visual approach and using the A/P to manoeuvre the aircraft to intercept the loc and glide on final approach.
But why? The reason we request visual approaches is so that we can
hand fly the aircraft down to the runway isn't it?
Maybe if you lack this particular confidence, you should be sitting in an office somewhere, pontificating about other people's deficiencies
Thanks for the concern, but I enjoy keeping my hand in. I do despair though at the number of FO's and Captains, who get maxed out at the prospect of hand flying an approach without any form of automation to back them up. Often citing their desire not to exceed any of the company parameters, give me a break...The truth is, some of these guys lack the confidence to operate the equipment without the aid of the autopilot.
Pontification over!