Michael Nouak writes:

Oh yeah: I didn't gain any flying experience either from keeping the needles
centered. And I didn't get to read my newspaper.

So you're saying that even flying the aircraft yourself is essentially
just a matter of watching the needles? Is this because you must stay
exactly right on the flight path? I take it there is very little
margin for pilot discretion on commercial flights.

BTW, breaking out at 50' and seeing a runway in front of you looks
pretty cool.

I agree. It validates one's confidence in technology.

Yes and Yes.

Long years ago I came into CDG on a flight from LAX and noticed that
the landing was glassy smooth despite essentially zero visibility (in
fact, I didn't know we were on the ground until I saw buildings in the
distance rushing by outside the window). At the time I thought it was
just a very good pilot. Now I suppose that it was actually an
autolanding--the best pilot of all.

Here, it is recommended to make the most use of all available equipment, and
I believe that's the same for most large airlines.

Sorry for being long-winded. I hope it's what you were looking for

I don't mind long-winded. Thank you for the very detailed reply,
that's exactly the kind of reply I was hoping for.

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