Hi Vilas,

Not sure which airline you work for. At my airline it does specify in our FOM that AP and A/THR is optional below RVSM and in addition it states that it is encouraged for us to fly with the AP and A/THR off when practical. We are encouraged to use any level of automation (FDs on, Bird or Raw data as well). Would you be hand bombing it raw data out of LGA or LAX on an RNAV Sid no.. but it is not contrary to our SOPs flying with reduced level of automation.

CanadianAirbusPilot
I didn't say anything against improving piloting skills by manual flying. All I was trying to say was if something doesn't work the way it should on a consistent basis and requires different technique to handle the situation, then one should keep the company and the manufacturer in the loop.

Fair enough, I was reading your reply at 3am after walking in the door. That may have had something to do with it.