Why can't people
who have decided not to install an autopilot just admit that they
have chosen a slightly lower level of safety?


Probably for the same reason that those who have one but don't use it won't
admit they've "chosen a lower level of safety", and those who insist on flying
themselves rather than having a professional pilot co-pilot team fly them
around in a part 135 aircraft are "choosing a lower level of safety".

There are autopilots in all the club aircraft I fly. I never use them. (ok, I
tried playing around with one once; it just didn't feel like I was flying an
airplane any more).

I much prefer to be a pilot than a passenger, I much prefer to have my hand on
the yoke and my feet on the pedals. That's the whole point, isn't it?

Jose

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