Look ma, no handfuls here. ;)
Old Boeing Driver;
Re, I have to differ with vapilot2004 regarding hand-flying the A320, A330, A340 at cruise altitudes.
Kindly have a re-read of my post and you may find we are closer to agreement than disagreement, PJ2.
Originally Posted by
vapilot2004
OBD:
Any commercial aircraft will be more challenging to hand fly at or near the service ceiling compared to down low. Doubtful? Try it in a sim sometime.
Molly-coddling FBW systems alongside the near constant use of automatics (not just limited to the Airbus) has led international aviation safety organizations to publish guidance on preventing the erosion of basic piloting skills due to these safety 'enhancements'.