Challenger 350 Hand Flown Level-Off at FL410 (LPS)

Now that I've retired from flying I've been sorting through my video archives and just came across this clip from 5 years ago. In it I'm hand flying and leveling of at FL410 (41,000' MSL) in the Challenger 350. As automation is ever increasing on the flight deck, basic stick and rudder skills are declining among pilots flying technologically sophisticated jets. The only way to combat this trend is to hand fly the aircraft whenever it's safe and practicable to do so. Too many pilots engage autopilot as soon as procedures and limitations allow (typically 700' AGL on initial climb) and do not disengage it until as late as allowed (typically not until below 200' AGL). Is this and unsafe practice? No, but hand flying is the only way to develop a feel for your aircraft, and the ability to control the aircraft when automation fails is a skill that can save your life.