What Do Pilots Do When the Plane Is on Autopilot?

Autopilot is often pictured as a perfect wildcard, incapable of making mistakes. However, the truth is that all these systems need a good flesh-and-blood pilot nearby to watch over them. In fact, their presence is essential for the safe operation of the autopilot. If the person behind the controls doesn't know what they're doing, the autopilot could end up causing more harm than good.

A Brief History of Autopilot

In the early days of aviation, the pilot's attention on the controls had to be absolute. Distractions and errors were paid dearly, and stress increased as the range of aircraft (with new, impressive multi-hour flights) began to expand. That created the need for an automatic system that would relieve some of the pressure on the pilot. The first of these systems was built by the Sperry Corporation in 1912, and from there its development exploded, fueled by constant civil and military interest.

How Modern Autopilot Works

In very relaxed terms, modern autopilots are divided into three main elements: a computer that monitors the flight, high-speed processors, and a series of sensors installed in special areas of the plane. Data recorded by the sensors is sent to the processors, which in turn inform the computer of the situation.

The computer applies the necessary adjustments through the aircraft's surfaces via servos, and these are picked up by the sensors... repeating the cycle. This feedback keeps the plane in the air. Depending on their complexity, autopilots can control one, two, or three axes (roll, pitch, and yaw).

The Pilot's Role

However, the autopilot is nothing more than an intermediary between the pilot (with their specific needs) and the aircraft. Its job is to complement and assist the pilot, not replace them. In other words, the pilot flies the plane 'through' the autopilot.

Some autopilots are so advanced that they can already create their own flight plans and land aircraft in fairly adverse conditions, but there are tasks that still remain under human control, including takeoff and taxiing maneuvers. In the event of a failure, no matter how small, all the pilot has to do is disconnect the system and take direct control of the aircraft.