This would all be much easier to bear if aircraft were designed to have two different cleared levels, without relying absolutely on VNAV. They’re not. As such, the procedure makes no sense, no matter how convenient it may be for ATC. Relying on VNAV deprives the pilot of the ability to step down the automation hierarchy, which is at odds with conventional wisdom, that he should be ready to step down that hierarchy at any moment.
I’m genuinely astonished that this whole thing hasn’t been binned. That it hasn’t, gives me grave concern about the wisdom being exercised by those involved, and in particular, their awareness of how automatic flight systems work.
Last edited by B737C525; 7th Nov 2017 at 16:46.