Kudos to those that forever fly without an autopilot.

 

I installed an autopilot for two reasons:

 

1. In IMC, it is my backup to the loss of the vacuum attitude indicator.  Alas, I am reluctantly the backup to the loss of both vacuum and electrical systems.

 

2.  From time to time I need to manage other flying duties - map processing, unexpected course changes, fluid intake, note taking with my flying hand, snacking to maintain blood sugar level, etc.  Something has to continue to fly whilst I am so easily distracted.

 

Note:

 

Each addition of a hi-tech gadget reduces the need for refined hand-eye-brain interaction.  I try to maximize the benefits while accepting (and understanding) the drawbacks.  Laziness can set in after the fancy moving map is installed - enough so that the charts are stowed in the back.  Let's see, another reason for the autopilot - I may need to reach behind me and secure some chart while avoiding the John Denver maneuver.

 

Opinions may vary.