Aerocat...I had about 2000 hours on the A320 at the time and about 7000 total. I'm not saying I was the ace of the base, but I certainly embraced the automation. However, I also had the experience to know when A/P was not the best option – the autopilot does not know the meaning of NOW; it is great on a coupled approach, but my fear is that the average airline pilot these days is a servant of automation: I let it give me a helping hand but go back to basics as soon as it mis-behaves. If you delve into the books of Airbus and Boeing, it will say that very thing one way or another.
If any pilot does not have the ability to fly stress-free without an F/D, A/P and A/T, they should look for another job – you simply aren't cut-out to be a pilot. Harsh, I know, but true. Look no further than AF447.
Last edited by FlareArmed; 10th Mar 2014 at 22:35.