I turn it on way earlier than all the FOs that enjoy watching the PM (me) load up with ATC, alt changes, speeds, directs, etc. leaving the busy terminal environment so they can feel super cool modulating pitch and chasing the magenta line while the thrust levers are in the detent.
BUT they all get very uncomfortable when I tell them I’m turning the FD off on approach in VMC. Two years on the plane and I’ve had zero FOs do that. Just me I guess trying to be proficient on a real visual?
Why would anyone have the FD on when flying a visual? Clear those useless needles away.
Oh no. The dreaded “I have to turn a knob and respond to ATC while you’re handflying.”
I guess only “The Real Stuff” can pull that off.
I don’t even like the autothrottles on when hand flying. Either the AP/AT is all on, or it’s all off.