Autopilot vs hand fly for EFATO B737NG
 

I'd like to hear thoughts of experienced B737NG (and classic) pilots regarding engaging the autopilot at 400' after an EFATO (obviously when the a/c is under control!)

My previous operator would have chopped bollocks off for doing such but a check captain/TRE in my current organisation advocates it - we tried it in the sim a few weeks ago and it seemed to work OK.

The only difference in modes I can tell is the pitch changes from TOGA to MCP SPEED so that the 0-200 fpm rate of climb is substituted for speed priority.

Engaging autopilot has obvious advantages such as better monitoring of checklists (if any) and emergency procedure, etc.

Any thoughts?

Hi Jetman,

my Operator requires that the engine out procedure is flown manually till clean manoeuvering speed. Probably it is a common rule. A/P engage in normal conditions is also limited to a minimum altitude of 1000 ft AGL.

In my company the use of the autopilot is restricted to above 1000 HAA after T/O.
On both the PG`s and the NG`s