Since I'm somewhat confused after watching some videos, I thought I ask the experts here (all questions affect airliners only):1.Apart from where it's stated in the airplane manuals, are there any restrictions when the flight director (FD) must not be followed during hand flying the plane?2.Are hand flown ILS approaches using the FD only permissible?3.What ILS CAT require mandatory autopilot (AP) coupling?4.Is it permissible to transition from AP coupled ILS approach to hand flying, and if so, for what CAT and what's the transition point when manual takeover must occur?5.Do visual approaches require the FD to be switched off? Saw this in all the videos where the pilot flying did that... Some FMS allow the usage of the VNAV vertical deviation indcicator for visual approaches...

Since I'm somewhat confused after watching some videos, I thought I ask the experts here (all questions affect airliners only):1.Apart from where it's stated in the airplane manuals, are there any restrictions when the flight director (FD) must not be followed during hand flying the plane?Not normally.2.Are hand flown ILS approaches using the FD only permissible?You can fly an ILS with or without the FD and with or without the autopilot for CAT 1 ops.3.What ILS CAT require mandatory autopilot (AP) coupling?I think CAT II and CAT III require AP4.Is it permissible to transition from AP coupled ILS approach to hand flying, and if so, for what CAT and what's the transition point when manual takeover must occur?For CAT I ops the autopilot can be disconnected anytime and AFM will specify a minimum altitude for AP use.5.Do visual approaches require the FD to be switched off? Saw this in all the videos where the pilot flying did that... Some FMS allow the usage of the VNAV vertical deviation indcicator for visual approaches...Most professional flight departments at least recommend backing up a visual approach with automation even if hand flying.

Per one operator:Depending on weather conditions, an ILS can be accomplished with raw data,with the flight director, or with the autopilot approach coupler.If weather conditions are below 4000 RVR or ¾ mile visibility; a flight director must be used, or a coupled approach must be made.ILS approaches in weather conditions above 2400 RVR may be hand flown atpilot’s discretion, however a flight director must be used.scott s..

That sounds like a particular flight department culture and standard operating procedure not a FAA certification limitation. Not a bad culture just one organizations line in the sand. I, personally, used to like to hand fly raw data ILS IF WX was above about 600-2 just to dust off my cobwebs. Avionics don't get cobwebs or rusty. Humans do. I saw a pilot loose his flight director one day and panic. Clear day mind you but he freaked. Basics still work if regularly used.Mike

Per one operator:Depending on weather conditions, an ILS can be accomplished with raw data,with the flight director, or with the autopilot approach coupler.If weather conditions are below 4000 RVR or ¾ mile visibility; a flight director must be used, or a coupled approach must be made.ILS approaches in weather conditions above 2400 RVR may be hand flown atpilot’s discretion, however a flight director must be used.scott s..