# Key Takeaways - Typically autopilot can fly either lateral (single axis) or lateral+vertical (dual axis) - Valuable tool for workload reduction - Safe usage requires an understanding of risks associated with automation # Details 1. Types of Autopilot 1. Dual Axis vs. Single Axis 2. Flight Directors 3. Benefits of Autopilot 1. Workload reduction^[See [[Task Saturation]]] 2. [[Fatigue]] management 3. Task Management 4. [[POH]] and [[AFM]] supplements pertaining to autopilot 1. Preflight check of autopilot 1. > [!note] Some autopilots include specific preflight steps, while others are surprisingly sparse 2. Generally good to check basic functionality and the ability to disconnect 3. Example GFC 500 [Autopilot Preflight Test](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMRVKs64Rtw) by [Holladay Aviation](https://www.youtube.com/@HolladayAviation) 2. Autopilot usage, modes, GPS integration, altitude functions 3. Ways to disengage 4. Limitations from POH 5. [[VVM]]: Verbalize, Verify, Monitor 6. [[AFCS]] vs Autopilot 1. [[AFCS]] consists of at least a flight director (FD) and an autopilot (AP) 2. "Autopilot" used interchangeably, though technically different 7. Autopilot Function Demonstrations (Sim or Plane) 1. Pitch and Roll 2. HDG 3. VS, FLC, ALT, VNV 4. NAV 5. APP, BC ## Autopilot Risks 1. Complacency 2. Unusual Attitude/Upset 3. Loss of Situational Awareness/Behind the Plane 4. Autopilot Surprise^[A term from [[Jeppesen Instrument-Commercial]] for when the autopilot does something unexpected. Related to [[Children of the Magenta Line]].] ***Demonstration of risks, completed in a simulator*** 1. Stall 1. Bug High Altitude, Set VS+100, Throttle Idle, Engage Autopilot 2. Runaway Trim 1. Set runaway trip trim in failures on simulator 3. [[CFIT]] ## Case Studies - [[Children of the Magenta Line]] - [American 965 Crash](https://www.faa.gov/lessons_learned/transport_airplane/accidents/N651AA) # Additional Resources - Autopilot Manuals - [KAP 140 Manual](https://www.bendixking.com/content/dam/bendixking/en/documents/document-lists/downloads-and-manuals/006-18034-0000-KAP-140-Pilots-Guide.pdf) - [GFC 500 Manual Links](https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?partNumber=GFC-500AP-00&tab=manuals) - [G1000 Manual](https://static.garmin.com/pumac/190-00498-08_0A_Web.pdf) - [2015 International Air Transport Association (IATA) FMS Data Entry Error Prevention Best Practices](https://www.iata.org/contentassets/b6eb2adc248c484192101edd1ed36015/fms-data-entry-error-prevention-ed-1-2015.pdf) - [Staying ahead of the airplane - automation tips from a human factors expert](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOQcdXE6MPo) from [[AOPA]] - [CFIT and Overreliance on Automation](https://medium.com/faa/cfit-and-overreliance-on-automation-48eed783b1e9) from [[FAA Safety Team|FAASTeam]] - [AFCS: Friend or Foe?](https://www.flyingmag.com/afcs-friend-or-foe/) from [[IFR Magazine]] #concept