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Ask the IFR Expert: How Often Should I Hand Fly?
There is no magic number of minutes or percentage of a flight that every instrument pilot should spend hand-flying. The right balance depends on the pilot, the airplane, the conditions, and the workload. But there is an important distinction between using automation and becoming dependent on it.
Quiz: Automation
Modern avionics and autopilots have transformed IFR flying, reducing workload and improving situational awareness when used correctly. But automation is only as effective as the pilot managing it. Misunderstanding system capabilities, relying on automation at the wrong time, or failing to monitor what it’s doing can quickly turn a helpful tool into a source of confusion.
Ask the IFR Expert: How Often Should I Hand Fly?
/by Eric RadtkeThere is no magic number of minutes or percentage of a flight that every instrument pilot should spend hand-flying. The right balance depends on the pilot, the airplane, the conditions, and the workload. But there is an important distinction between using automation and becoming dependent on it.
Quiz: Automation
/by IFR Focus TeamModern avionics and autopilots have transformed IFR flying, reducing workload and improving situational awareness when used correctly. But automation is only as effective as the pilot managing it. Misunderstanding system capabilities, relying on automation at the wrong time, or failing to monitor what it’s doing can quickly turn a helpful tool into a source of confusion.