Peter - U.S. carriers have fewer restrictions and the overwhelming majority of landings, and approaches, are hand flown as long as the weather is decent(300' and a mile visibility?). No data to back that up except for 30+ yrs of observation and experience.
Departures typically are hand flown until above 10,000' and the A/P is typically turned off below 10,000', and before 3,000', on arrival.
Different work loads and weather, or procedure driven automation requirements, are deciding factors in using a higher, or lower, level of automation.
The restrictive SOP's are typically non U.S. carriers.
Last edited by misd-agin; 7th Apr 2013 at 15:09.
Reason: added "or procedure driven automation requirements"