There are multiple levels to fly-by-wire system. This article is to vague and fails to point out that auto pilot is very high level function of fly-by-wire systems. When its disengaged, its still a fly-by-wire plane in most modern models, both Boeing and Airbus. When your pulling that yoke in "Manual Control" your not connected to any physical system. Just electronics and THE EVIL COMPUTER that triggers an electromechanic/electrohydraulic device like the Aileron.

"But it's time the airline industry stopped treating passengers like children and began informing us of what airplanes we're flying on and how they're flown--and allowing us to decide how we're taking our lives in our hands." Really? These are complex systems with multiple levels of functionality and are difficult to understand. From the article, the author clearly lacks knowledge on the subject. Furthermore, I don't think the average person really wants to know how the plane works anymore than they want to know how CAN communication makes the EFI system in their car work by integrating ECU communication. As a consumer, I just want the car to start when I turn the key without it blowing up in my face.