Why can't autopilot take off?
Why can't autopilot take off? Autopilots don't have ears or eyes so we only let them fly close to the ground in mild conditions and when we can't see anyway :). It is during takeoff that the pilots must be in very close contact with the aircraft so that they are fully engaged when they may have to take over immediately.
Can a pilot fly without autopilot?
You need a working autopilot to fly above 29000 ft in RVSM airspace (where crossing traffic is only 1000ft above or below), but you don't necessarily have to have it engaged, and ATC doesn't know whether you have it engaged or not.
What are the limitations of autopilot?
Take a look at the limitations for your autopilot. Most likely the minimum altitude will be 200 feet on approach. Many autopilot systems also have a flap limitation so using the autopilot with full flaps down to 200 feet may not be authorized.
Do pilots ever land on autopilot?
All takeoffs and most landing are done manually. In reduced visibility conditions, many airliners utilize auto land where the autopilot(s) perform the landing under the close monitoring of the pilots.