Is it permissible to take off with the Auto-Throttles inoperative according to NATOPS?

According to NATOPS (Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization), it is not permissible to take off with the Auto-Throttles inoperative. This prohibition is in place because the Auto-Throttles are critical for maintaining precise control of engine thrust during takeoff and ascent, which is essential for safe flight operations.

Without the Auto-Throttles functioning, pilots would need to manually manage engine power, increasing the workload and potential for error during a critical phase of flight like takeoff. The risk of an imbalance in thrust or improper power settings could lead to an unsafe operational environment, emphasizing the importance of having all systems, including the Auto-Throttles, operational before takeoff is initiated.