The Airbus planes are even more automated than the 777. They're actually designed with the idea that the pilots are to pretty much keep their hands off - at one time some of the models wouldn't even allow the pilots to override the autopilot system on autolands. They've since made it so it takes 45 pounds or so of force to override it.

In the U.S. autolands are allowed only during VFR conditions, but in Europe they're allowed even when the airport is covered in a sea of fog. Would be nice for places such as SFO. Because autolands are the rule in Europe, pilots there have to make an effort to handland often enough to maintain currency, whereas in the U.S. it's just the opposite.


[This message has been edited by letiole (edited 09-01-2001).]