Some good comments here. But I don’t see the one that applies most to US certified pilots. Simply put, I have the skills to hand fly multiple turboprop models, a Lear35, a DC9 and now a narrow body Airbus. BUT the FAA became so draconian over my career regarding enforcement actions that I rarely use those skills. When ATC tracking systems have automatic “snitch patches” built in so that even the controller may not know an altitude was busted or any other clearance exceeded, I, and most other line pilots have chosen to use the autopilot as a way to preserve our ticket. In today’s US airspace system, especially in terminal areas, one must remain exactly on the RNAV course. (I’ve been called out by ATC for trying to sneak around a building cell, which resulted in being off the green/magenta line by less than a 1/4 mile). In such circumstances, even the most proficient stick and rudder pilot uses the automation as means to protect his/her ticket. Modern GPS/RNAV/GNSS based arrivals and departures almost demand a reliance on the automation. I personally try to kick the automation off when flying into the occasional lesser dense destination or when being vectored during climb or descent, but when operating from DFW to ATL the autopilot stays engaged from 1000agl on departure til minimums on approach. *
In short, it’s not that I can’t hand fly, it’s that the FAA seriously discourages me from doing so.
We obviously can’t have airliners flying around off altitude or course, my only answer would be: the FAA must force airlines to include basic raw data hand flying in initial and recurrent training. This of course will add to the cost of training, so I am not hopeful. But the average pilot needs the opportunity to practice without “jeopardy”. **
*It is virtually impossible to even fly a visual approach by ones self in most major areas. ATC almost always issues headings, altitudes and speeds for “visual” approaches .
**Most simulator training, even for basic hand flying, is so focused on “checking a box” (demanded by the FAA) or adhering to “procedure” that it still feels like a jeopardy event.