Autopilot (automatic flight control system (AFCS))

Autopilot in commercial aircraft is designed to handle the aircraft as per the pilot’s instructions. Pilot line-up the aircraft on the runway and increases thrust to around 40% and press the TOGA (Takeoff/Go Around) button (only if required), then the engines will automatically increase the power to computed takeoff power. As the plane reaches it takeoff speed, the pilot pulls the control yoke backward to lift the nose up and the plane takeoff. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot will engage the autopilot. If the autopilot is set to follow GPS waypoints and proper altitudes, it will be able to take care of the climb, cruise, and descent portions of the flight. The autopilot can find the best speeds, maintain flight atititude and fly through each waypoint as per the flight plan. Once the aircraft is approaching the runway for landing, the pilot will tune the ILS frequency for the runway into the navigation radio. Then he will engage the Approach mode, which captures the localizer (lateral navigation left/right to align with the runway) and glideslope (vertical navigation up/down to have the proper approach path). Now the pilot deploys the flaps and landing gear as the plane slows down for landing. In the event of low or zero visibility condition, the plane is capable of approach and touchdown on the runway all by itself. The pilot will then apply reverse thrust and brakes as needed to slow down the plane. Now the pilot exit the runway and taxi to the gate. Autopilot in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) does almost everything. In the event of autopilot failure, manual override option permits the pilot to take control of the flight.

Autopilot cannot perform the following tasks

1.Responding to ATC (feedback clearances, change frequencies)

2.Reacting to nearby traffic

3.Following ATC instructions (climb/descend, turn, slow/accelerate)

4.Responding to emergencies or system failures

5.Controlling lights, flaps, landing gear

“Enjoy the flight, you are in the safe hands of Pilot and High tech”