So from the interesting TSB Canada S-92 report, Cougar are now requiring two hand flown instrument approaches every 90 days. Is any NS operator implementing anything similar?
Whilst extensive use of automation should be the norm, is not practising hand flown approaches, with the heightened awareness of particularly speeds, pitch attitudes, height and VS that follows from it, not an important part of being able to use the autopilot and upper modes competently? When hand flying an approach we are constantly focussed on trying to keep those parameters around target and appreciate more what's involved. It's hard work - and when we fail, things go wrong very quickly. It easy to see why complacency creeps in if you're just always monitoring.