Michael wrote:

Matt Whiting wrote

I now have an airplane with an autopilot, but I almost never use it. I
flew 6 years of IFR (often in IMC here in the sunny northeast) and I
just feel more comfortable hand flying at all times. I also don't need
to worry about AP failure. I do use it when I need to do an extensive
GPS reprogram, but I can do that without the AP, it just takes longer.


I too have an airplane with an autopilot now. I fly IFR a lot, and
have for the past 4 years I've owned the airplane. I installed the
autopilot two years ago. I first used it in IMC on my ATP checkride,
and I'm still on my white temporary. I, too, can reprogram my GPS
without the autopilot. I can perform ALL normal tasks without the
autopilot, though it does take slightly longer. I certainly believe
that you should be able to complete the flight uneventfully if the
autopilot fails, and I train to that standard.


I believe more strongly in the flip side. I believe the greatest
likelihood of pilot error is when in a high workload situation, often
caused by an emergency or at least an anomoly in flight. At such times
having a higher level of competency is essential.


No argument - but that is what recurrent training is for.

No, recurrent training is no substitute for ongoing practice. Training
is to teach you new skills and correct bad habits that have crept into
your. Recurrent training doesn't hone skills the way frequent practice
does. Training and practice aren't the same thing. Ask me if I want to
go into battle with a freshly trained GI or a 20 year combat veteran,
and I can tell you who I'll pick.


Matt