Travel Glossary

What is Autopilot?

An autopilot is a software or tool that can only manage the aircraft under certain conditions using the vehicle's hydraulic, mechanical and electronic systems. This system, which can follow the flight plan, can stabilize speed and height as well as the location of the front of the aircraft (heading). Pilots mostly lead the aircraft in a controlled manner by autopilot except for departure and landing. Autopilot is mostly used on passenger aircrafts. 

How does autopilot work?

The autopilot can take part in most of the control mechanisms except takeoff. In general, it controls the movement of the aircraft around the center of gravity and directs the aircraft according to safety parameters. Route data prepared before the flight is uploaded to this software. From the moment the autopilot is instructed by the pilot, it controls the aircraft within this route. Planes; can have three different types of autopilot software: one-axis, two-axis, and three-axis. The next-generation aircraft can be guided by improved three-axis autopilots. New generation autopilots can also direct the yaw by controlling the rudder along with rotation and reclining movements. In newer systems, the autopilot can perform most of the classic flight maneuvers. The climbing flight and the descent flight are guided by the pilots except in extreme cases. Autopilot performs all operations in accordance with the pilot's commands. 

When is Autopilot Activated?

The autopilot is activated sometime after takeoff and is switched off before landing. Autopilot can function as a pilot when the sight is reduced or the flight system is malfunctioning. The authorization of this software may vary from plane to plane. 

Can Autopilot Land a Plane? 

It can land the plane in accordance with the necessary commands. It's called an automatic landing system. If the aircraft is trying to land under difficult conditions if there is a fog that completely blocking the sight, the aircraft's landing is performed in accordance with certain safety parameters with the help of ILS (Instrument Landing System). In such cases, the autopilot, acting in sync with the aircraft's other systems, provides the landing under the control of the cockpit team.