Hey!!
I was just wondering what a pilot actually does in the sky. Are y’all mostly in control the whole time or do you use autopilot. Also when are situations okay for AutoPilot and situations that require it manually?
Just wondering, Thank you!
This is actually a very broad question
The Auto-pilot can only do what the pilots program it to do. So the pilots are always in control and adjusting waypoints, flight path, altitude, airspeed and more.
At the Airlines almost all are actually required to use the autopilot above 18,000 or 20,000ft. So for flights more than 45minutes long, usually a good amount is required to be flown by the autopilot.
Below 18,000ft we can use the autopilot or hand fly the airplanes. The options are endless. Some airplanes actually have the ability to land via the autopilot. There are also different versions of autopilot, the CRJ doesn’t have Auto-throttles so the pilot has to physically adjust the thrust levers, the ERJ does have auto-throttles so the pilots can pick an airspeed or setting and the autopilot will adjust the thrust levers to do what the pilot programmed.
If the Autopilot is broken you can actually hand fly the whole flight (longest I’ve done is 1.5hrs), even above 20,000ft.
Even when pilots have nothing to change, they are always listening to the radio and scanning the instruments a couple times per minute.
Chris F
Androu,
It really depends on many factors. A functional autopilot is actually required above 29,000’ (FL290) due to RVSM (Reduced Vertical Separation Minima). While it’s use is not technically required, it’s highly encouraged (anytime the FAA says you “should”, you need to have a really good reason if you don’t).
Beyond that it’s the pilots call. I fly short interisland flights (max alt is 21,000’) and I’ll often spend the whole day handflying just to keep myself sharp. There’s actually been a push from the FAA for pilots to do more handflying specifically for that reason.
On a broader note the autopilot is a tool that’s primary function is to help manage the workload. This is one of my many pet peeves. If a flight is taking off in bad weather in busy airspace that is not the time to practice your handflying skills. While it’s not always specifically spelled out, anytime there’s an emergency of any kind, rule #1 is turn on the autopilot.
Adam
Androu,
Here is an article that I wrote several years ago about hand flying at the airlines. I can tell you that autopilot on or off, the pilots are always in control of the airplane.
Chris