During which phases of flight is manual flight control typically used?

Manual flight control is typically used during takeoff and landing because these phases of flight require the pilot to have direct control over the aircraft for several reasons. During takeoff, precise control is crucial for managing the acceleration, alignment with the runway, and transition from ground to air. Similarly, landing involves complex maneuvers that demand attention to variables such as airspeed, descent rate, and alignment with the runway. While modern aircraft and drones are equipped with advanced autopilot systems, the dynamic and changing conditions of takeoff and landing necessitate the pilot's hands-on input to ensure safety and proper handling of the aircraft.

In other phases such as level cruising, while manual control could be employed, it is less common since autopilot systems are designed to manage these stable flight segments efficiently. Emergencies may indeed also require manual control, but the specific mention of takeoff and landing clarifies the primary reliance on manual flight during these critical moments. Autopilot engagements typically occur in stable phases of flight, where continuous manual control is not necessary.