Manual Landing

[SWAFO]

Pilots using autoland ~50% of the time? Not in our company! Here at Southwest we DON'T use autoland period (considering we don't
use the Autothrottle or VNAV at all). The company's only requirement regarding the autopilot on approaches is that it be switched off no
later than 50 feet below the decision height. Normally, on a clear day with calm or steady winds I'll hand fly the approach from the final
approach fix, and sometimes further out. During gusty winds, or inclement weather it's better to be safe than sorry and use the AP.
Normally, when I use the AP I'll switch it off between 500 and 1000 ft AGL.

When I've asked the Captain (I'm a FO) why we don't use autoland, he says; "That's what you're for". When he's tired, or doesn't feel like
landing, he'll give me the aircraft... pretty close to an autoland for him. Lol.

~Brad
Southwest Airlines First Officer
Airline Transport Pilot
737 Type Rating